2-on-2 overtime this season in the NAHL

What is this rule? Starting this season, the NHL will implement a new overtime system in the regular season. Beginning with the 2025-26 season, if a tie persists after the three regulation periods, overtime will be played according to the golden-goal rule and will now be divided into two segments:

1. A first period of five (5) minutes at 3 against 3.2. If no team scores, a second period of five (5) minutes at 2 against 2 will be played. If the game is still tied despite overtime, a shootout will be held. What’s more, no player will be able to return the puck to his zone once the central red line has been crossed.This new system comes with two new elements: 2 v.2 and the impossibility of returning to your zone once in the opponent’s zone.How will switching to 2 v.2 instead of prioritizing shootouts be received by fans? Frankly, I wonder. At first, it might be intriguing, even exciting, but after a few weeks, I wonder if it’s a good idea. There’s plenty of room for 2 v. 2 on a full rink! content-ads]Still, if we don’t try it, we won’t know. Hats off to the NAHL for daring to try and change something that’s already in place. It takes a certain amount of courage to change the rules of a sport as old – and as conservative – as ice hockey. And don’t count on the NHL taking inspiration from the NAHL, unfortunately… although I’d be curious to see Ivan Demidov and Cole Caufield take on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl!The preseason opens today with games in Jonquière and Laval. Can’t wait to see if either of these games will require 2-on-2 play..