Tavares embraces 3-on-3 format during All-Star Game

John Tavares is set to represent the Toronto Maple Leafs for the first time at this year's All-Star festivities and is looking forward to another three-on-three showdown.

"The competitiveness amps up a little bit," Tavares said, who is making his sixth All-Star appearance. "You try to score a few goals, make a few nice plays, and try to show that side of the game."

The NHL has struggled to come up with an All-Star format that best engages the fans and players, but with the modern day game trending toward speed and skill, the three-on-three play has become a great way to showcase the NHL's elite.

"Also, with the more space and more room, and with the creativity and the speed of the game ... guys can really go out there and put on a good show for the fans. Because I think that's what it's obviously meant to be about," he said.

The 2019 All-Star Game will mark the fourth consecutive season the NHL has used this format while splitting teams by their respective divisions.

"You go to battle so many times against those guys over the years, that sometimes it's kind of nice to be on the same side for a little bit," Tavares said. "I think you have to enjoy that, put the competitiveness aside for a day and show that mutual respect you have for each other."

The Maple Leafs are currently one of the league's deadliest teams at three-on-three play with a record of 5-2 in overtime this season.

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