NHL Playoff Overtime Rules and Longest Games

In-Depth Analysis

### How NHL Playoff Overtime Works

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:

1. **Ice Resurfacing:** Teams head to the locker room for a 15-minute intermission while the ice is resurfaced. 2. **20-Minute Periods:** Overtime periods last 20 minutes each, mirroring regulation periods. 3. **5-on-5 Play:** Play continues with 5 skaters per side (plus a goalie), unless penalties occur. 4. **Sudden Death:** The first team to score wins the game. 5. **Switching Sides:** Teams switch ends of the ice after each overtime period. 6. **Goal Review:** All goals are reviewed by the NHL Situation Room to ensure they are legitimate.

### Memorable Longest Games

Here are some of the longest NHL playoff games in history:

1. **1936 Semifinals:** Detroit Red Wings vs. Montreal Maroons (6OT, 116:30 OT) - Detroit won 1-0 2. **1933 Semifinals:** Toronto vs. Boston (6OT, 104:46 OT) - Toronto won 1-0 3. **2000 Conference Semifinals:** Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (5OT, 92:01 OT) - Philadelphia won 2-1 4. **2020 First Round:** Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (5OT, 90:27 OT) - Tampa Bay won 3-2 5. **2003 Conference Semifinals:** Anaheim vs. Dallas (5OT, 80:48 OT) - Anaheim won 4-3 6. **2023 Conference Finals:** Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes (4OT, 79:47 OT) - Florida won 3-2

### Recent Overtime Games in 2026 Playoffs

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)

### Players with Multiple Playoff Overtime Goals (2026)

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

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FAQ

How long does NHL playoff overtime last?

Each overtime period is 20 minutes, and play continues until a goal is scored.

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.

What happens between overtime periods?

Teams get a 15-minute break for ice resurfacing and switch sides.

Takeaways

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.

Discussion

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Sources

NHL playoff overtime rules: Postseason hockey bracket changes OT format Every playoff overtime winner How long overtime will last for Senators-Hurricanes in NHL playoff rules

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