from Kevin Allen of USA TODAY,

Six months into the NHL’s entertaining new 3-on-3 overtime format, the frequency at which shootouts are needed is on the rise.

Since Jan. 1, 46% (49-of-106) of games tied after regulation have gone to a shootout. In the first three months of the season, 34% (44-of-129) of regulation ties ended in a shootout.

“I think teams are learning the quirks of playing 3 on 3,” said Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler. “You see more teams controlling the puck, and not taking chances unless they have a really, really high (percentage) scoring chance.”

In addition, as playoff races intensify teams are more likely to take a cautious approach in overtime.

“Points are at a premium and thus players are playing less reckless in OT,” said former NHL coach Pierre McGuire, now an NBC analyst. “Plus the goaltending around the league has been off the charts.”

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