Coach’s Corner: Cherry says 3-on-3 OT is terrific

Don Cherry talks about the new overtime format, the Maple Leafs issues at the net and goes on a rant about what is happening to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Don Cherry is generally a traditionalist.

However, he seems to have quickly adopted the NHL’s new 3-on-3 overtime rules, which came into place this season.

“I said this would be terrific,” Cherry said in the season debut of Coach’s Corner with Ron MacLean. “It’s not a gimmick (like the shootout). I’m telling you people right now, you’ll be hoping for a tie game to see (overtime). It was fantastic. You’ll love 3-on-3.”

The new 3-on-3 overtime period has gone over well since the regular season began Wednesday evening. NHL fans got a glimpse of the pure excitement Thursday night when defenceman Jason Garrison wrapped up a wild extra frame between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Philadelphia Flyers.

There were breakways, odd-man rushes, and it was, as Cherry said, terrific.

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