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A return to a familiar playoff format, more decisions for head coaches and a big reason for fans to possibly root for overtime.

Those are several of the impacts that could result from the rule changes that the AHL Board of Governors approved for the 2015-16 season on Friday.

Perhaps the biggest change is one that follows suit with the NHL by switching to a 3 on 3 five minute overtime period. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton CEO Jeff Barrett said the new format will generate excitement and plenty of wide open hockey on the open ice.

“Last year when we had the 3 on 3 during the last four minutes minutes of overtime it was constant up-and-down. It was terrific,” Barrett said. “It’s a good move that will benefit the guys with good, open ice moves and the puck-moving defensemen.”

Barrett added that the new overtime format should generate more wins, which will be even more important considering teams will be ranked by points percentage in their division (points earned divided by points available). The top four teams in each division will qualify for the postseason, and a crossover can occur if the fifth-place team in the Atlantic or Central Division finishes with more points than the fourth-place team in the North or Pacific Division.

The crossover concept has been used in the past and Barrett said it’s a matter of fairness.

“It levels the playing field and it builds excitement because playoff races can come right down to the wire,” Barrett said. “You’re not out of it in February.”

Also new this season is a coach’s challenge for a video review in scoring situations, such as a dispute whether or not the puck crossed the goal line. Coaches can use the challenge only if they have their timeout available. If it’s successful, coaches can challenge again, and if not, their team will be charged with a timeout.

The change will require coaches to really think if they want to use their challenge early in a game knowing they may sacrifice a timeout, Barrett said.

The newly-created Pacific Divisions, consisting of Bakersfield, Ontario, San Diego, San Jose and Stockton will play 68 regular season games while the rest of the league will play 76. The regular season scoring race and other individual categories will not be changed despite the Pacific teams playing fewer games.

Another rule change dealing with face-offs requires the defending player to place his stick on the ice first, except for center ice face-offs where the visiting player must put his stick down first before the puck is dropped.

The league approves 3-on-3 overtime, coach’s challenge and new playoff format

By Tom Venesky

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Reach Tom Venesky at 570-991-6395 or on Twitter @TLTomVenesky