NHL's 3-on-3 overtime reducing number of shootouts

The National Hockey League's attempt to curb the number of games decided by shootouts appears to be working.

Since the adoption of three-on-three competition in the extra frame, 18 of the 26 games that have required overtime have been decided within those five minutes (69.2 percent).

It's early yet, but that marks a significant increase over last season; under the old four-on-four format, the percentage of overtime periods with goals was 44.4 percent (136 of 306).

While the league remains committed to the shootout as an ultimate means of deciding regular-season games, the one-on-one showdown will likely continue to play less of a role than in years past.