Frans Nielsen

New Red Wing Frans Nielsen is one of the NHL's top shootout specialists.

(AP file photo)

Three-on-three overtime accomplished what the NHL set out to do by reducing the number of regular season games decided by a shootout.

In 2014-15, 55.2 percent of overtime games went to a shootout (170-of-306). In 2015-16, 38.9 percent of OT games were decided in the shootout (107-of-275).

But, as teams adjusted to three-on-three play, fewer overtime goals were scored the second half of the season, increasing shootouts.

So there are still important points up for grabs in this skills competition, one the Detroit Red Wings have not fared well in the past four seasons, going 13-29 (W-L). In 11 seasons of shootouts, Detroit is 49-65.

The Red Wings will have a new look in the shootout, as one MLive reader pointed out:

Q: With two of our main shootout options gone in (Pavel) Datsyuk and (Brad) Richards, who's going to fill those spots? - Chris

A: Frans Nielsen for sure. He has been one of the best all-time in the shootout, converting 41-of-76 attempts (52.6 percent). Datsyuk went 28 for 72 in his career (38.9 percent).

After that, it gets a little dicey, but they have a lot of options.

Thomas Vanek has a good career percentage (15-of-31, 48.4 percent) but took only one attempt last season with Minnesota.

Gustav Nyquist went 0 for 5 in 2015-16 but was 8 for 19 (42.1 percent) before that.

I think the Red Wings will start the season with those three shooters.

Tomas Tatar (6 for 20, 30 percent) is another possibility. I think Andreas Athanasiou would be a good choice - he converted his lone shootout attempt last season. They could also use Dylan Larkin, who went 0 for 2 as a rookie.

It's not all about the shooters. Their goaltenders need to be better in shootouts. Petr Mrazek has a .667 save percentage (11 goals against on 33 shots) and Jimmy Howard has a .669 save percentage (61 GA on 189 shots).

Q: Do you expect (Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Kronwall) to lace them up for the Wings in 2017-2018? I think they are much closer to retirement and have fewer reasons to stick around than most people probably think. - Justin

A: I think they'll play at least two more seasons, but I wouldn't be shocked if they hung up the skates after this year. It depends on their health.

Kronwall, 35, was plagued by knee issues last season, which they said can't be remedied with surgery. He withdrew from the World Cup but hopes to be ready for the start of training camp.

Zetterberg, who turns 36 on Oct. 9, has a history of back trouble, but managed to play all 82 games in 2015-16.

After this season, Kronwall will have two years remaining at a cap hit of $4.75 million, but his salary decreases to $3.5 million and $1.75 million. Zetterberg will have four years to go at a cap hit of $6.083 million but an actual salary of $7 million for 2017-18, $3.5 million in 2018-19 and $1 million in each of the final two seasons.

I don't think either will officially retire before their contracts expire and leave the team facing a cap recapture penalty. According to the formula used by this site, if Kronwall retired after this season, the Red Wings would have a cap recapture penalty of $2.125 million in each of the following two seasons. If Zetterberg retired after this season, the club's cap recapture penalty would be close to $3 million in each of the following four seasons.

If neither finishes out his contract, I think it's more likely they would be on long-term injured reserve, providing cap relief.

Q: Which current NHL arena most resembles the new LCA in terms of layout, sightlines, etc.? -- Jordan

A: The Red Wings incorporated aspects of several buildings in the design of their new home. Olympia Entertainment president Tom Wilson said last week the new arena has more in common with Montreal's Bell Centre than any other building.

Bell Centre's grandstands feature a steep slope for better sightlines, giving the feel of the crowd being closer to the ice, increasing the noise. Wilson said LCA will have the best sightlines in the league. The press box will be suspended over the arena on a catwalk, like at the Bell Centre.

Q: Has there been any word on what is happening with the Joe after this season? Are they tearing it down? Would love to get a seat out of there if they tear it down! -- Ryan

A: The Joe will be demolished after this season. It likely will be replaced by a residential high-rise building, according to this story. I'm guessing they'll be selling some mementos from the barn, including seats.

Thanks for participating. If you have a Red Wings-related question, email me at akhan1@mlive.com.