All-Star Game at 3-on-3 promises to bring excitement

NASHVILLE — No protest was heard in any corner of the hockey community when the NHL announced it was replacing the traditional All-Star Game with an All-Star 3-on-3 tournament (Sunday, 5 p.m., NBC Sports Network).

“We needed a change in the format,” Nashville Predators general manager David Poile said.

Playing a regulation NHL game didn’t work because there was absolutely no physical play, it felt as if players were going at half-speed. The hope is that 3 on 3 will be more appealing to everyone because it doesn’t need physical play to be competitive.

“Players are excited about the concept," NBC analyst Pierre McGuire said. "They are excited about the potential for the skill and pace that 3 on 3 brings.”

What will be the key Sunday? “Goalies that handle the puck well could make a big difference,” McGuire said. “Puck possession matters so much. As do smart line changes. A goalie who hands the puck well helps both of these things.”

Under the new format, the Pacific Division team will play the Central Division in a 20-minute semifinal, and the Metropolitan Division will play the Atlantic in the other. The winners will meet with the 11 winning players splitting $1 million.