Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Calls Grow to Rethink 3-on-3 Overtime After USA's Olympic Gold Over Canada

Analysts question the format for championship games as Olympic scheduling tied to the Closing Ceremony drives the move to shorter overtimes.

Overview

  • Paul Bissonnette said three-on-three should not decide a gold medal and urged a return to five-on-five for high-stakes games.
  • Eddie Olczyk proposed starting overtime with a 10-minute five-on-five period before moving to four-on-four if needed.
  • Olympic playoff rules send games directly to three-on-three sudden death, contrasting with the NHL’s continuous five-on-five overtime in the playoffs.
  • Organizers face timing limits because the men’s final preceded the Closing Ceremony in Verona, roughly two hours from the Milan arena.
  • Jack Hughes scored the overtime winner in the United States’ 3-2 victory over Canada, a result that delivered the nation’s first men’s hockey gold since 1980, with no IOC shift in policy announced.