Wild's Backstrom on NHL's new 3-on-3 OT format: 'Goalies hate it'
Minnesota Wild veteran goaltender Niklas Backstrom isn't a fan of the NHL's new 3-on-3 overtime format.
"Fans love it, I don't know if the coaches love it, players probably love it and goalies hate it," Backstrom told the Minneapolis Star Tribune with a smile. The 37-year-old Finn made the comments after he turned aside all 28 shots he faced in a 1-0 preseason victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday.
The NHL's switch from the 4-on-4 format is expected to provide a boon for players who can create opportunities with the extra space on the ice.
As one might expect, Backstrom isn't the only goalie that is sour on the idea.
"It's going to be a nightmare," New Jersey Devils netminder Cory Schneider told Yahoo! Sports. "I can think of a few duos in my division alone that are going to be extremely hard to handle in that situation."
Backstrom is expected to be the third goaltender in the pecking order this season for the Wild, sitting behind Vezina Trophy finalist Devan Dubnyk and backup Darcy Kuemper. Backstrom posted just a 5-7-3 mark with a 3.05 goals-against average and .887 save percentage in 2014-15.
(h/t Minneapolis Star Tribune)
