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Ice hockey fans know that a tied game in the NHL doesn’t always lead to a straightforward finish. The NHL overtime rules add a thrilling twist, keeping fans glued to the action until the final moment. But how exactly do overtime rules work, and what are the key differences between regular season and playoff overtimes? Let’s break it down for newcomers and longtime enthusiasts alike.
During the NHL regular season, if the score is tied at the end of regulation, teams enter a five-minute overtime period. This period features a fast-paced 3-on-3 format, creating more open ice and scoring chances. If neither team scores in these five minutes, the game continues to a shootout, with three players from each team taking turns. The team with the most goals after the shootout is declared the winner.
According to Sporting News, this unique setup ensures games end quickly and keeps the league standings moving.
Playoff games are a different animal. There are no shootouts and no time limits on overtime periods. Instead, teams play full 20-minute periods at 5-on-5, and the first goal scored in these sudden-death overtimes ends the game. If neither team scores, another overtime period begins—this cycle repeats until one team finally puts the puck in the net.
As detailed by BVM Sports, playoff overtime is pure endurance, and games can become marathon affairs. Some playoff contests have stretched across multiple overtimes, testing the stamina of both players and fans.
Throughout history, the NHL has seen legendary overtime battles. For instance, two playoff games have lasted six overtimes: the 1936 clash between the Red Wings and Maroons, and the 1933 tilt between the Maple Leafs and Bruins. More recently, the 2020 battle between the Lightning and Blue Jackets went five overtimes, keeping everyone on the edge of their seat. These extended games highlight the intensity and unpredictability of NHL overtime rules in the playoffs.
To read more about the longest overtime games, visit this detailed breakdown by Sporting News Canada.
NHL overtime rules aren’t just a technicality—they shape the outcome of games and fuel the drama that makes hockey so exciting to watch. Whether you’re tuning in for the regular season or cheering during the playoffs, understanding these rules adds a new layer of appreciation for just how much is on the line when the clock hits zero.
From the fast-paced shootouts of the regular season to the marathon sudden-death periods of the playoffs, NHL overtime rules provide nonstop excitement. Next time a game goes beyond regulation, you’ll know exactly what to expect—and why every moment counts.