DETROIT -- The shootout has been popular with fans since the NHL implemented the rule in 2005-06 following the lockout to eliminate ties after overtime in the regular season.

But Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland would like to see more games decided in overtime before it gets to a shootout. That's why he again will recommend changes to the existing rule when the league's general managers gather in Toronto on Nov. 9.

"I'm open to anything," Holland said. "I'll bring up suggestions to create conversation, create debate. Do we have the right system, or should the system be changed?"

One suggestion he has is to do a dry scrape of the ice before the 5-minute, four-on-four overtime.

"I've talked to a few of our players. They feel after 20 minutes of hockey, the ice is pretty scraped up," Holland said. "Better ice should result in a few more goals."

Holland's other proposal surely would reduce the number of shootouts. He suggested expanding overtime to 8 minutes, split into two segments: four-on-four for 4 minutes, followed by 4 minutes of three-on-three play.

"A year ago, it didn't have a lot of support. I think there's a little more support now," Holland said. "I'm putting it back on the agenda. I'm assuming we'll have conversations. They might last 5 minutes."

Last season produced a record number of shootouts: 184 in 1,230 games for 15 percent, up from 159 in 2008-09 for 12.9 percent.

Through Monday, only 8.2 percent of games were decided in a shootout (6-of-73), but it's early and that rate likely will increase.

Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard is open to try something new to reduce the number of shootouts.

"The three-on-three would probably be good because it would open it up a little more, more odd-man rushes, give teams a chance to at least win it in overtime instead of a skills competition," Howard said.

"It's nice to think you got a chance of winning the game when it's three-on-three instead of going to a shootout, and then pretty much you're relying on one guy to score. When it comes down to a skills competition, fans like it, but it's nice to be able to win the game in overtime."

The Red Wings have not fared well in shootouts. They are 23-30 lifetime, including a 6-10 mark since the start of 2009-10.

Detroit defenseman Niklas Kronwall likes the overtime rule the way it is.

"Four-on-four gives you a lot of room out there," he said. "Three-on-three, I'm a little skeptical."