Pavel Datsyuk shootout

The Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk won't be taking as many shootout attempts, like this one against Washington's Braden Holtby, if three-on-three play in regular season overtimes is adopted.

(AP File Photo)

Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland for years has been pushing for three-on-three play in overtime as a way to reduce the number of games decided in a shootout.

He's finally getting his wish.

NHL general managers have recommended three-on-three OT starting next season. It needs to be approved by the Board of Governors on Wednesday, but that's considered to be a formality.

"Over the last number of years more and more people have been interested in trying to get more games decided before the shootout," Holland said on Tuesday. "We understand the shootout is exciting for the fans. I'm happy today the general managers recommended going to the Board (with the proposal). The players have signed off on it. It'll be exciting for players, it'll be exciting for the fans."

The new format would take effect next season. Regular season games that are tied after regulation will go right to a five-minute OT period with three-on-three play. There will not be four-on-four play in overtime anymore.

Games that are still tied after overtime will be decided in a shootout. However, the open ice during three-on-three play will result in more scoring chances and more games decided before the shootout.

"That's the hope," Holland said. "With the open ice the expectation is there will be a lot of scoring chances at both ends."

The Red Wings have struggled in shootouts the past three seasons, going 11-24. They are 47-60 since the shootout was implemented in 2005-06.

General managers, meeting in Las Vegas, agreed to this proposal rather than the AHL format of four minutes of four-on-four play followed by three minutes of three-on-three. Under this format, approximately 75 percent of AHL games that were tied in regulation ended in OT, up from 35 percent in 2013-14.

Overtime in the playoff remains unchanged. It's still five-on-five.

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