We won’t have a good feel for the new overtime format for some time, nor will we have enough data necessary to render any type of concrete conclusions regarding optimum strategies for a while. However, last nights initial foray into the world of 3-on-3 hockey for the Capitals did yield its first set of data points:

Both teams went with two forwards and one defenseman to start.  There was quite a bit of speculation as to what the lines would look like with regards to the mix of forwards and defensmen for each line.  As recent as yesterday (Sunday), the Caps were still tinkering with a wide assortment of line configurations.  On Monday night, Trotz decided to start with Ovechkin, Kuznetsov and Niskanen.  Orlov replaced Niskanen just before the 3-on-1 breakout that ended it for the ‘Canes.

As per Chuck Gormley, on Monday morning, Capitals goaltender Dan Ellis provided a little insight into the NHL’s new 3-on-3 overtime format, saying nearly every one he participated in last season in the AHL ended with an odd-man rush following a missed shot attempt.

As many suspected, this is going to take some getting used to:
And as many suspected, It ended quickly.  Carolina netted the overtime goal 0:57 into the trial run of the 3-on-3 session.  This will obviously be a work in progress for some time to come.

What the Capitals Learned from Their First Three-on-Three OT Experience? (Isabelle Khurshudyan/WaPo)

3-on-3 Overtime Video Highlight