It’s one thing for 3-on-3 OT to be a bummer for a full-ice threat like Dustin Byfuglien.
It’s not so surprising to hear a goalie express his displeasure with the overtime tweak.
Steve Mason is on the record of being less than a fan of the not-so-goalie-friendly change, according to Philly Voice.
“It’s just chaos out there,” Mason said in the locker room after Tuesday’s OT loss to the Buffalo Sabres. “I made a great save coming across, and then a couple of seconds later, they’re back on a breakaway. It’s tough out there. There’s just chance after chance, and it’s creating chances. That’s why so many games are being ended in overtime; there are just so many quality chances that guys just eventually score.”
For those who feel like the NHL needs a shot in the arm offense-wise, that last phrase in particular might sting a bit.
“There are just so many quality chances that guys just eventually score.”
You know, some probably want it to be like that before games go 3-on-3.
Just about everyone (including Jakub Voracek and Dave Hakstol) said they understood why Mason isn’t a fan, but maybe it’s a good thing.
Maybe life should be a little tougher for goalies in general?
Anyway, you can see the latest 3-on-3 OT goal allowed by Mason for an example of why he (understandably) dislikes that format.