Playoff overtime is 5-on-5 sudden death; no shootouts.
Overtime periods are 20 minutes long, with a 15-minute intermission for ice resurfacing.
The NHL Situation Room reviews all goals to ensure they are legally scored.
Several games in the 2025 and 2026 playoffs have gone to overtime, including multiple double-overtime contests.
The longest NHL playoff game featured six overtimes, lasting over 116 minutes.
NHL playoff overtime provides intense, extended action. Here’s a breakdown:
Format:
If the score is tied after three periods, a 15-minute intermission occurs for ice resurfacing. Overtime periods are 20 minutes each, played 5-on-5. Teams switch ends after each period. The first overtime features the "long change," requiring players to cover a greater distance to reach their bench.
Historical Context:
The longest NHL playoff game took place in 1936 when the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Montreal Maroons in six overtimes. More recently, the 2023 conference finals saw the Florida Panthers beat the Carolina Hurricanes in four overtimes. In the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, three of the first four games went to overtime.
2026 Playoff Overtime Games:
April 21: Avalanche 2, Kings 1 – Nicolas Roy scored in the first overtime.
April 21: Lightning 3, Canadiens 2 – J.J. Moser scored in the first overtime.
April 20: Hurricanes 3, Senators 2 – Jordan Martinook scored in the second overtime.
April 19: Canadiens 4, Lightning 3 – Juraj Slafkovsky scored in the first overtime.
Players with the Most Playoff Overtime Goals:
Corey Perry, Lightning: 5
Leon Draisaitl, Oilers: 4 (all in 2025 playoffs)
Brayden Point, Lightning; Jordan Staal, Hurricanes; Anze Kopitar, Kings; Artemi Panarin, Kings; Matt Duchene, Stars: 3
Q: How long is an NHL playoff overtime period?
20 minutes.
Q: What happens if no one scores in the first overtime?
The process repeats with another 20-minute overtime period until someone scores.
Q: Is there a shootout in NHL playoff overtime?
No, playoff games continue with 5-on-5 play until a goal is scored.
Understand the unique format of NHL playoff overtime: 5-on-5 sudden death.
Appreciate the historical context of marathon overtime games.
Follow the ongoing drama of the 2026 playoffs and potential overtime showdowns.
What are your predictions for this year’s playoff overtime games? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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