NEWARK – In order to cut down on the frequency of shootouts deciding NHL games, the league implemented the new three-on-three overtime format for the five minutes after regulation. The Sharks experienced their first on Friday at Prudential Center.
Sharks coach Pete DeBoer almost certainly grew to loathe the shootout. As coach of the Devils, in 30 games that advanced to the skills competition since the start of the shortened 2013 season, New Jersey won just four times. That includes the 2013-14 when the Devils somehow lost all 13 shootouts they were involved in.
The Sharks improved to a perfect 4-0 against DeBoer’s old team on shootout goals by Joe Pavelski and Brent Burns, while Martin Jones stopped two of the three New Jersey attempts.