NHL overtime rules: Explaining how OT works in hockey playoffs
NHL playoff overtime rules differ significantly from regular season, where games are decided by a brief 3-on-3 segment followed by a shootout. In the playoffs, overtime consists of 20-minute sudden-death periods, with the game continuing until a team scores. This format can lead to extended play, as demonstrated by historical games reaching up to six overtimes. Notable marathon playoff games include the Red Wings versus Maroons in 1936 and the Maple Leafs against the Bruins in 1933, each lasting six overtimes. More recently, the Florida Panthers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes with a goal in the fourth overtime of the Eastern Conference Finals, highlighting the potential for lengthy playoff matches.
During the NHL regular season, overtime is played in a 3-on-3 format for five minutes, followed by a shootout if no team scores, whereas playoff overtime consists of unlimited 20-minute sudden-death periods.
In playoff overtime, the game continues with new 20-minute periods until a team scores, making it possible for games to last indefinitely and often resulting in extended matches.
The longest NHL playoff games have reached up to six overtimes, with the 1936 game between the Red Wings and Maroons, and the 1933 game between the Maple Leafs and Bruins exemplifying such endurance.
Three other notable games have lasted five overtimes, including clashes like the 2000 Flyers versus Penguins and the 2020 Lightning against Blue Jackets, illustrating the intensity and unpredictability of playoff overtime.
The most recent lengthy overtime match occurred during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Panthers and Hurricanes, where Florida secured victory with a goal in the fourth overtime, showcasing the dramatic potential of playoff hockey.
Billy Heyen, a freelance writer for The Sporting News, has extensively covered these events, providing insights into the thrilling and exhaustive nature of NHL playoff overtimes.
These marathon games highlight the unique endurance and stamina required in playoff hockey, as teams battle through multiple overtimes in pursuit of victory.
The NHL takes on a vastly different look during regular season overtime.
That's when the hockey takes on a 3-on-3 format that lasts for just five minutes before a shootout.
But in the playoffs?
The hockey can last forever.
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NHL overtime rules for playoff games
If the game is tied after regulation, action resumes with a 20-minute overtime period.
It's sudden-death, so the first goal in OT wins the game.
If no one scores, the clock resets to 20 minutes and they do it all over again.
The game can last forever. They'll just keep playing until someone scores.
Longest overtime games in NHL playoff history
There have been two playoff games that lasted six overtimes:
- 1936: Red Wings 1, Maroons 0
- 1933; Maple Leafs 1, Bruins 0
Another three games have lasted five overtimes:
- 2000: Flyers 2, Penguins 1
- 2020: Lightning 3, Blue Jackets 2
- 2003: Ducks 4, Stars 3
The most recent marathon game was Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Panthers and Hurricanes. Florida won that game 3-2 with 13 seconds remaining in the fourth overtime.