Report: Bettman makes controversial comments on rule changes for playoff OT

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman appeared on Hockey Central Saturday last night to discuss the current state of the game and potential rule changes for the future. 

Under Bettman, the NHL has undergone seismic rule changes, mostly to improve offence but also to improve player safety. The shootout, 3 on 3 OT, head shot crack downs, elimination of the two-line pass, puck over the glass, hybrid icing, these are all major rule changes that have been implemented on Bettman’s watch. Traditional hockey fans are worried about what might come next… 3 on 3 OT or shootouts in the playoffs? Not so fast, says Bettman.

“The answer to that is no,” Bettman said. “We don’t use the shootout in the playoffs, even though you can win an Olympic gold medal in the shootout. We, and again, I guess this is a question of degree, but we’re trying to maintain the core essence of our game and have it be relevant and entertaining. And so we like the game the way it is. Maybe you tweak things here or there.”

So there you have it, no changes planned for playoff OT… for now. Do we really expect Bettman to keep his word though? The moment it benefits the league financially, they’ll make the jump.