Widespread Criticism Erupts Over New Overtime Rule in Swedish Hockeyallsvenskan

The new overtime rule recently introduced in Swedish Hockeyallsvenskan has ignited fierce criticism from players, coaches, and hockey experts. The rule prohibits teams from passing or carrying the puck out of the offensive zone with control during the three-on-three overtime period, aiming to reduce passive play. However, instead of speeding up the game, it has created confusion, disrupted flow, and forced multiple stoppages and face-offs in the offending team's zone.

During a recent match between Björklöven and Modo, where Björklöven emerged victorious 3-2 after a shootout, players voiced their frustration. Björklöven's Emil Larsson remarked, "No one seems to know what the rule is. They need to fix it," while teammate Oscar Pettersson criticized the rule as vague and ineffective. Modo's coach Mattias Karlin labeled the rule a "parody," emphasizing ongoing skepticism from within the coaching ranks.

TV expert Fredrik Söderström condemned the rule, advocating for its revision or outright removal to restore game intensity and clarity. Modo player Måns Carlsson sympathized with referees struggling to enforce the complex regulation and strongly criticized the rule-makers, describing them as "a couple of nuts playing with the rules." The overall consensus suggests the new overtime regulation fails to enhance the game and might require immediate reconsideration to prevent further disruption.