‘Hockey’s not hockey any more’: did three-on-three overtime ruin Canada’s Olympics?

Guardian Sport

by Tom Dart

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The article critiques the use of three-on-three golden-goal overtime in international hockey finals, arguing that it diminishes the excitement and drama of high-stakes games between top teams like Canada and the United States. This format, which ends matches with sudden-death gameplay, has led to disappointing losses for Canada in two Olympic finals against the U.S., leaving fans and players feeling robbed of a proper climax. Critics argue that this approach turns intense showdowns into mere coin tosses, stripping away the tension and thrill that make such games memorable. The piece highlights how this overtime format was introduced in recent years but has failed to deliver the desired results in high-profile matches. While it aims to keep games moving efficiently, it often feels like a letdown for fans who tune in expecting a dramatic finish. The author questions whether rule-makers truly understand what makes these matchups special and whether they should instead focus on formats that honor the intensity of the game. The article also points out that while sudden-death overtime might work for less critical games, it doesn’t sit well when applied to marquee events like Olympic finals. These clashes are often the highlight of the tournament, drawing massive audiences and creating lasting memories. By ending them with a format that feels more like a coin flip than a climactic showdown, the sport risks losing some of its most compelling moments. Ultimately, the article emphasizes why this matters to sports fans: hockey needs to find a balance between fairness and excitement in how it concludes games. The current overtime system may be efficient, but it doesn’t do justice to the drama and passion that define big-game performances. By rethinking these rules, hockey could ensure that its most thrilling moments live up to their potential and continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/23/2026