Jets goalies approve of new 3-on-3 overtime format

Connor Hellebuyck is giving the NHL’s new 3-on-3 overtime format the green light.

Despite a 1-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild in the opening game of pre-season action on Tuesday night, Hellebuyck raved about the OT changes and what it means to fans.

“It’s really exciting,” he told reporters in his post-game interview. “I think the fans like it. As players, I think we’re just going to keep getting better at it. I like it.”

Hellebuyck proved he’s more than capable of sustaining the immense pressure that comes with 3-on-3 hockey. With 56 seconds remaining in the extra period, the Jets’ fifth-round pick in 2012 flashed the leather and robbed Wild centre Tyler Graovac point blank.

Ondrej Pavelec, who was stellar in 40 minutes of work during Tuesday’s loss, is also a fan of the new rule changes for overtime and even said he prefers 3-on-3 as opposed to the dreaded shootout.

“A lot of scoring chances, at the same time a lot of mistakes, but that’s a typical exhibition game,” Pavelec said. “But it was fun. We saw the (new) overtime. A lot of scoring chances in overtime. One mistake and it’s an odd-man rush and then it’s a huge scoring chance.

“But I still think it’s more fun than the shootout. That’s for sure.”

Here’s a look at Hellebuyck’s thoughts on the 3-on-3. (Video via video.jets.nhl.com)