NHL playoff overtime uses a 5-on-5 format, ditching the 3-on-3 used in other competitions.
Overtime periods are 20 minutes long, and the game continues until a goal is scored.
The longest NHL playoff game lasted over 116 minutes of overtime (six periods) in 1936.
Several games in the 2025 playoffs went to multiple overtimes, showcasing the format's intensity.
Recent 2026 playoff games have already featured multiple dramatic overtime finishes.
Why this matters: The NHL's playoff overtime rules create some of the most dramatic and memorable moments in sports. The sudden-death format intensifies every play, and the potential for extremely long games tests the endurance and strategy of both teams.
In the NHL playoffs, if the score remains tied after three regulation periods, the game goes into overtime. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Ice Resurfacing: Teams head to the locker room for a 15-minute intermission while the ice is resurfaced.
20-Minute Periods: Overtime periods last 20 minutes each, mirroring regulation periods.
5-on-5 Play: Play continues with 5 skaters per side (plus a goalie), unless penalties occur.
Sudden Death: The first team to score wins the game.
Switching Sides: Teams switch ends of the ice after each overtime period.
Goal Review: All goals are reviewed by the NHL Situation Room to ensure they are legitimate.
Here are some of the longest NHL playoff games in history:
1936 Semifinals: Detroit Red Wings vs. Montreal Maroons (6OT, 116:30 OT) - Detroit won 1-0
1933 Semifinals: Toronto vs. Boston (6OT, 104:46 OT) - Toronto won 1-0
2000 Conference Semifinals: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (5OT, 92:01 OT) - Philadelphia won 2-1
2020 First Round: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (5OT, 90:27 OT) - Tampa Bay won 3-2
2003 Conference Semifinals: Anaheim vs. Dallas (5OT, 80:48 OT) - Anaheim won 4-3
2023 Conference Finals: Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes (4OT, 79:47 OT) - Florida won 3-2
April 21: Tampa Bay Lightning 3, Montreal Canadiens 2 (J.J. Moser scored in OT)
April 20: Hurricanes 3, Senators 2 (Jordan Martinook scored in 2OT)
April 19: Canadiens 4, Lightning 3 (Juraj Slafkovsky scored in OT)
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 does NHL playoff overtime last?
Each overtime period is 20 minutes, and play continues until a goal is scored.
Q: Is there a shootout in NHL playoff overtime?
No, shootouts are not used in the playoffs. It's sudden-death, 5-on-5 until a goal is scored.
Q: What happens between overtime periods?
Teams get a 15-minute break for ice resurfacing and switch sides.
NHL playoff overtime provides some of the most exciting moments in hockey. Key takeaways include:
The 5-on-5 sudden-death format ensures high-stakes, intense play.
Games can extend for multiple overtime periods, testing player endurance and strategy.
Knowing the history of long overtime games adds to the appreciation of playoff hockey.
Do you think the NHL overtime format is the best way to decide playoff games? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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