Harris: New OT format a winner for NHL

Photo by: The Associated PressGoodbye, NHL shootouts, and good riddance.

For the past decade the league used shootouts to decide games tied after 60 minutes of regulation and five minutes of overtime.

To settle games with a breakaway contest, it’s always seemed to make as much sense as to end an NBA game with a free-throw shooting contest.

The Bruins lost 10 of these silly exercises last season, costing the team a playoff berth and many individuals their jobs.

It seems likely now, though, that shootouts, while still part of the NHL game, will have far less significance. The advent this season of the 3-on-3 five-minute overtime will be great fun for the players, immensely entertaining for fans…