Predicting the Best 3-on-3 Overtime Combinations in the NHL in 2015-16

We're starting to see how the National Hockey League's new overtime format will play out.

During preseason, the NHL has designated mandatory three-on-three sessions for 45 preseason games, regardless of the score after 60 minutes, per NHL.com. This is intended to give teams and their players the opportunity to start breaking down the format—figuring how to both capitalize and defend.

It's believed that three-on-three will give hockey's most talented players more room to work their magic than they normally receive in a five-on-five setting. With so much open ice, the new format should also benefit the game's strongest skaters.

Out of the gate, it looks like most teams are opting to deploy two forwards and one defenseman, choosing players with scoring talent, puck-possession skills and speed.

Here's a look at some of the most promising three-on-three combos around the league.

6. Anaheim Ducks: Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Cam Fowler

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What They Bring

Bruising center Ryan Getzlaf and his partner in crime Corey Perry have been one of the NHL's most dominant duos for the past decade. They boast serious offensive skills as well as a gritty approach that wears down opponents and generates turnovers in one-on-one settings.

Defenseman Cam Fowler also has strong offensive instincts and is a better skater than his cohort Sami Vatanen.

Why They'll Shine

The Ducks have shown in the past that they can make the most of overtime situations. Last season, 23 of the team's 82 games went to extra time, according to Sporting Charts. Anaheim won 16 of those contests—eight at four-on-four and eight in the shootout.

Expect to see Anaheim emerge as one of the first teams to dial in a winning three-on-three system.

Other Teammates Who Could Contribute

Speedster Carl Hagelin, offensive dynamo Jakob Silfverberg and the determined Ryan Kesler could all be difference-makers in a three-on-three setting. On the back end, Hampus Lindholm nicely balances his scoring skills with a good dose of defensive responsibility.

5. Washington Capitals: Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, John Carlson

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What They Bring

What could be better for three-on-three than putting the NHL's top goal scorer on the ice with the player who earned the most assists last season? That's the luxury that Washington Capitals coach Barry Trotz will enjoy when he deploys Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom for overtime sessions.

The pair can be supported by 25-year-old John Carlson, a responsible and mobile defender with a rapidly evolving offensive game.

Why They'll Shine

No one scores goals like Ovechkin, and he works best with Backstrom at his side. The pair should make magic with all that open ice.

The Caps may need a little extra time, though, to get their three-on-three game in order. Backstrom is recovering from offseason hip surgery and remains questionable for opening night, according to Chuck Gormley of CSN Mid-Atlantic.

Other Teammates Who Could Contribute

Matt Niskanen's great skating could be an asset in overtime, and Evgeny Kuznetsov can be a magician with the puck. 

When games do reach the shootout stage, new acquisition T.J. Oshie will be on hand to save the day.

4. New York Islanders: John Tavares, Kyle Okposo and Nick Leddy

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What They Bring

At age 25, New York Islanders center John Tavares has now proved himself as one of the NHL's top offensive forces. He has shown great chemistry in recent years with big right-winger Kyle Okposo, 27.

Defenseman Nick Leddy, just 24, had an outstanding season on both sides of the puck after joining the Islanders via trade in October 2014.

Why They'll Shine

Okposo and Leddy are both terrific skaters, and Tavares' hands are among the best in the league. All three are strong in both playmaking and shooting roles.

Tavares told Kevin Allen of USA Today that, for him, the three-on-three idea brings back childhood memories: "Whenever you play next-goal-wins in the backyard...that’s when you see some of the most exciting, intense hockey."

Other Teammates Who Could Contribute

The Islanders' offensively dynamic roster also includes forwards Anders Lee, Brock Nelson and the dazzlingly talented Ryan Strome. Johnny Boychuk should be able to chip in on defense. 

3. Dallas Stars: Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn and John Klingberg

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What They Bring

Since they were matched up two years ago, Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin have proved to be one of the NHL's most lethal offensive combinations.

Smooth skating defenseman John Klingberg should provide the needed support and add some scoring prowess of his own.

Why They'll Shine

Expect to see Seguin's energetic playing style light the fuse for Dallas in three-on-three situations. The strong scoring skills of all three players should see the Stars emerge on the winning side of plenty of overtime frames.

Other Teammates Who Could Contribute

Jason Spezza's puck-possession skills make him another good option up front. Valeri Nichushkin is a strong skater who could surprise as he returns from a long injury layoff.

2. St. Louis Blues: Vladimir Tarasenko, Paul Stastny and Kevin Shattenkirk

Scott Kane/Associated Press

What They Bring

Last season, Vladimir Tarasenko emerged as one of the most exciting end-to-end talents in the NHL. Coach Ken Hitchcock is pairing Tarasenko with playmaking center Paul Stastny in training camp, according to Tom Timmermann and Jeremy P. Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

On the back end, Kevin Shattenkirk was among the league's blue-line scoring leaders before an abdominal injury last February sidelined him for 23 games.

Why They'll Shine

Tarasenko's blinding speed, mind-bending moves and slick mitts should make him a dominant force at three-on-three, especially with a setup man like Stastny feeding him the puck. In addition, Shattenkirk's transition game is one of the best in the league.

Other Teammates Who Could Contribute

Knowing Hitchcock's penchant for defense, the Blues could be the first team to ice three defensemen under the new overtime format. Assuming Hitch does play to win, expect to see Alexander Steen, David Backes and Alex Pietrangelo also get their fair share of ice time.

1. Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel

Gene Puskar/Associated Press

What They Bring

Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Johnston told Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that, like most bench bosses, he plans to use two forwards and one defenseman for three-on-three.

Captain Sidney Crosby sees the situation differently, however, per Molinari: "I would entertain [using three forwards], for sure."

When your forwards could include Crosby, his fellow center Evgeni Malkin and Pittsburgh's new scoring machine Phil Kessel, why not?

Why They'll Shine

Kessel and Crosby displayed instant chemistry in their first preseason game together—a 7-3 Penguins win over the Carolina Hurricanes where Kessel scored two goals and Crosby tallied a goal and two assists.

Take Crosby's hockey smarts, add Kessel's deceptive speed and soft hands and throw in a dash of Malkin's powerful possession game: Pittsburgh should be set for three-on-three success.

Other Teammates Who Could Contribute

Kris Letang is the obvious choice on defense if Johnston can't bring himself to deploy the three-forward system.