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Dustin Byfuglien hates the new 3-on-3 overtime format: ‘It’s stupid’

By Angelo Montilla

Oct 25, 2015, 12:58 EDTUpdated:

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Not everyone on the Winnipeg Jets is a fan of three-on-three overtime hockey.

Specifically Dustin Byfuglien, who was critical of the new format, calling it a ‘terrible part of hockey’ following the Jets’ 4-3 OT loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Byfuglien’s comments came a day after Lightning forward Ondrej Palat netted the game winner just 36 seconds into Friday’s overtime period.

From the Winnipeg Free Press:

“It’s terrible. It’s a terrible part of hockey. It’s not hockey,” Jets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien said.”It ain’t hockey. It’s ‘Just let the kids play.’ It’s stupid. Just keep it four-on-four, five-on-five. Let’s just play hockey.”

Jets centre Bryan Little also has mixed feelings about the new format, but said he still prefers 3-on-3 hockey as opposed to deciding games in a shootout.

“It’s a tough way to lose but the shootout is an even worse way to lose. I’m not a fan of it today but maybe when we get a couple of wins I’ll like it a little more.”

War of words

The Jets will look to rebound on Sunday night when they begin a six-game homestand against the Minnesota Wild at the MTS Centre.

It’s the first time the clubs will meet since the Wild beat the Jets 8-1 during the pre-season. Following that game, tensions rose between Jets coach Paul Maurice and Wild bench boss Mike Yao.

Maurice grew frustrated that Minnesota used all its star players when it was up by seven goals late in the contest.

Sunday’s rematch between the division rivals should be interesting to say the very least.