The NHL is tinkering with its All-Star Game format again, and this time the league is going all in on 3-on-3. After implementing 3-on-3 overtime this season in an effort to decide more games before the shootout, the league has announced that the 3-on-3 format will carry over to the 2016 NHL All-Star Game.
The reviews of the 3-on-3 format are mixed, but the NHL is hoping it adds some excitement to an All-Star Game that's grown stale. One casualty of the new format is the All-Star Game Draft where team captains chose their teams fantasy style. It may have gotten a little too spirited for the league's tastes last year.
MORE: Every team's best lineup for 3-on-3 overtime | Mourning the death of the drunken NHL All-Star Draft
The league isn't making any commitments to this format past 2016, but it is throwing in a financial incentive for the players: The winning team will split $1 million.
Here are the details of the 3-on-3 All-Star Game.
What is the format for the 2016 NHL All-Star Game?
The All-Star Game will be a mini 3-on-3 tournament consisting of four teams (one for each division) playing three 20-minute games. Each team will have six forwards, three defensemen and two goalies. Tie games will be decided with a shootout. According to NHL.com, the Atlantic Division will play the Metropolitan Division in one game, the Central Division will play the Pacific Division in another, and the winners will meet in the third and deciding 20-minute game.
How are the teams selected?
Fans will select one player from each of the four divisional teams, and those four will be the captains. The other 40 All-Stars will be selected by the NHL Hockey Operations Department. Every NHL team will have a representative at the game. The coaches of the four division-leading teams after games played on Jan. 9 will automatically coach their respective divisional team.
What is the date of the 2016 NHL All-Star Game?
The 2016 All-Star Game is on Jan. 31, 2016. The Skills Competition is on Jan. 30, 2016.
Where is the 2016 NHL All-Star Game?
The 2016 NHL All-Star Game will be held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.