NHL Playoffs overtime rules 2024: How are games settled after regulations in Stanley Cup playoffs?

The NHL playoffs offer fans some of the season’s most exciting moments. Scoring becomes harder as teams typically play a tighter, harder-checking style. As a result, it’s more common to see NHL postseason games head into overtime than in the regular season.

However, overtime rules change in NHL playoff matchups compared to the regular season.

In regular-season contests, teams play a five-minute, three-on-three overtime period. The NHL introduced this overtime format during the 2015-2016 season. The aim was to generate more excitement and drama.

The three-on-three format has generated wild overtime periods, leading to memorable end-to-end action. But there was one thing the NHL wanted to avoid: Boring overtime games ending in ties.

Before the regular-season OT changes, teams generally didn’t compete during regular-season contests, being content to walk away with a point apiece.

So, the league added another twist: The shootout. The shootout was introduced to give fans another exciting attraction, enticing teams to go for the extra point following the five-minute period.

The regular-season overtime format has been well-received by fans. The league has seen fan interest increase for regular-season matchups.

But things change for NHL playoff contests. Regular-season OT rules don’t apply, making NHL playoff contests much longer than regular-season ones. This rule change adds to the drama, as the winner-take-all, best-of-seven series have inspired a do-or-die attitude during the extra period(s).

Are the NHL Playoffs overtime rules different from regular season?

Virtually every sport keeps the same regular-season rules during playoffs. However, the NHL does things a little differently. Specifically, playoff games feature different OT rules.

There is no three-on-three action. Gone is the shootout.

Here is a look at the OT rules for NHL playoff contests:

• Teams play five skaters a side.
• Periods are the standard 20 minutes in length.
• The first team to score wins.
• If the first OT period ends scoreless, the teams play another period.
• The game continues until one team scores.
• Penalties follow the same regular-season rules.

The playoff OT format has created some memorable games. In last year’s playoffs, the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes engaged in an epic battle that saw both teams play four OT Periods. The game ended with the Panthers outlasting the Canes 3-2.

But, believe it or not, that contest is not the longest game in NHL postseason history. In the 2000 playoffs, the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins needed five OT periods to settle a 2-1 Flyers win.

Perhaps this year’s playoffs will produce another epic multiple OT battle. While these matchups can be nerve-wracking for fans, they can take their toll on players.

With the NHL postseason underway, anything can happen. That’s the beauty of hockey. There’s no telling what each game can bring.