The Olympic hockey tournament finals for both men and women in Milano Cortina ended with overtime matches, which have stirred discussions in the hockey community due to the 3-on-3 format used, differing from the traditional rules seen in the NHL. This rule change has drawn criticism from players who feel that it alters the nature of the game and can lead to unfavorable conditions during a critical matchup.

In these high-stakes finals, both the USA men's and women's teams faced Canada, resulting in thrilling games that concluded with the USA emerging victorious, 2-1 in both instances after the overtime period. The introduction of the 3-on-3 format, however, has left players expressing frustration at how it impacts their play and strategy, centuries in the making.

Despite the outcry from players about the format change, a prominent hockey leader defended the decision, asserting that the rule enhances the excitement of the sport and aligns with modern trends aimed at increasing viewer engagement. This outcome raises questions about the balancing act between tradition and innovation in sports, particularly in high-profile events such as the Olympics.