The NHL playoffs, also known as the Stanley Cup playoffs, are an annual postseason tournament held after the NHL's regular season. The playoffs typically begin in April and culminate in June, with the winner being awarded the Stanley Cup, the oldest professional sports trophy in North America. Moreover, the playoffs consist of a series of elimination rounds in which teams compete in the best-of-seven series to advance to the next round.
The Montreal Canadiens have made the playoffs the most times, with 85 appearances till date out of which 35 have occurred in the finals. Additionally, teams like the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings have also made the playoffs on numerous occasions. However, the Canadiens stand as the most successful franchise as they have claimed 24 Stanley Cup championships throughout their history.
Shootouts in NHL Playoffs
In the NHL playoffs, shootouts are not used to determine the winner of games that remain tied after regulation and overtime. Instead, playoff overtime continues with sudden-death 20-minute periods of 5-on-5 play until one team scores, thereby ending the game. This format ensures that playoff games are decided by the players on the ice rather than through a shootout, maintaining the intensity and integrity of postseason hockey.
Moreover, the Stanley Cup has been won on an overtime (OT) goal on 17 occasions throughout NHL's history. The first instance was in 1933 when Bill Cook of the New York Rangers scored in overtime against the Toronto Maple Leafs to secure the Stanley Cup for his team. However, the most recent occurrence was in 2014 when Alec Martinez of the Los Angeles Kings scored an overtime goal against the New York Rangers, helping them clinch the championship in five games.
There have also been instances of games reaching four, five, or even six overtime periods.
2024 NHL Playoff Overtime Rules
The NHL playoff overtime rules differ from the regular season format, with no shootouts or three-on-three overtime. Instead, playoff overtime consists of continuous sudden-death periods, where teams play with five skaters and a goalie per side until a goal is scored. This format can lead to marathon games, with some playoff matches extending to multiple overtime periods. The next goal scored ends the game.
FAQ's On NHL playoffs
A. No, shootouts aren't part of NHL playoffs. Instead, overtime periods continue with sudden-death play until one team scores.
A. Yes, it's happened 17 times in NHL history, with the most recent in 2014 when Alec Martinez of the Los Angeles Kings scored the decisive goal.
A. Playoff overtime involves sudden-death periods of 20 minutes each, with continuous play until a goal decides the game.
A. Unlike the regular season, playoff overtime doesn't include shootouts. Instead, it's continuous sudden-death play.
A. Overtime goals often decide playoff series or the ultimate champion, adding excitement and drama to the Stanley Cup playoffs.
