I was surprised that they didn't employ NHL strategy of controlling the puck at all costs, even if it means giving up the offensive zone for shifting a fresh line. Honestly it looked like the coaches basically played a 5 on 5 strategy, which was bizarre. Ultimately balls out for 20 minutes with no thought to possession and line changes IMO.
Fairly entertaining as a novelty otherwise.
I think you have to think back to the first year of 3 on 3 overtime. It was honestly a lot more hectic than what it has become once the NHL coaches and players started getting a better feel. That first year significantly more games were ending in overtime if I remember right as teams traded chances back and forth. There was an adjustment and I would expect if the women played in this format a lot more some of those concepts would start to bleed in. Honestly, this kind of version is more entertaining so I am glad they played a more high tempo high danger style of hockey.
Thought it was enjoyable, but I usually watch USA vs Canada when they meet up, so I am not in the crowd they are struggling to get. I guess to the league wide question, I have doubts... Mostly because I am watching an NHL game every night and I cannot imagine they are just going to target the off-season, the WNBA does do this to an extent, but it is hard to think mid-summer hockey with the women is really going to be a thing. I am glad the league is doing this, not sure it radically changes anything for me in terms of women's hockey, I am a casual fan of it, but not one that is investing dollars and a lot of time which is ultimately what it needs...