If you were lucky enough to catch Canada’s thrilling 4 Nations Face-Off opener against Sweden, you saw just how exhilarating a 10-minute 3-on-3 overtime can be. With the score tied at three after regulation, both teams battled through six minutes of end-to-end, high-skill hockey before Mitch Marner secured Canada’s victory- taking advantage of the extra time. The longer overtime period gave the game a natural conclusion- no shootout needed.
MITCH MARNER!!! 🚨
He wins it for Canada in just an amazing overtime! 🍁 #4Nations pic.twitter.com/lcXpPbkoBw
— NHL (@NHL) February 13, 2025
NHL fans have long called for extended overtime. While 3-on-3 hockey is an exciting format, the current five-minute window has turned into a frustrating game of keep-away. Teams focus more on possession and limiting risks rather than pushing for a decisive goal. The result? Too many games still end in shootouts, a format few players and fans truly enjoy.
The 3 point system
The 10 minute overtime
The two things the NHL doesnt have that it should.
— David Alter (@dalter) February 13, 2025
“I don’t think anyone wants to go to a shootout,” said Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid.
The 4 Nations tournament serves as a perfect test for a longer overtime, and the early returns are promising. Players like McDavid embrace the added time, believing it gives teams a better chance to determine the outcome on their own terms.
“I think it’s a great kind of trial run,” McDavid said. “Something I think the players liked, the fans liked it. It felt a little more like it’s in our hands.”
Not every player is fully on board. Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon admitted that while 10 minutes might be too much, a compromise could be found.
“No,” MacKinnon said with a laugh when asked if he wanted 10-minute overtimes in the NHL. “We were actually just talking about it in the room. Maybe 7 [minutes]? I usually feel better than that normally.”
MacKinnon’s concern? Fatigue. He was visibly exhausted during overtime against Sweden and even opted to take a shot instead of passing to McDavid on a two-on-one break- a rare decision for a player of his caliber.
“I can’t believe I looked off Connor on that 2-on-1, honestly, but I could barely see, I was so tired off that rush,” he admitted. “I was happy when Marner scored because I didn’t have much left to give. So 5 to 7 [minutes] would be good.”
The consensus? Players want more overtime- but within reason. A 10-minute period would reduce shootouts while still keeping the action fast-paced and intense. The NHL should take note. Longer overtime isn’t just good for the players; it’s better for the game.