NHL overtime rules in playoffs, OT format and longest games

April 18, 2026Last updated April 21, 2026, 10:53 p.m. ET

As the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs commence, the overtime rules undergo a significant alteration.

In stark contrast to the Olympics, which utilizes a 3-on-3 overtime format even for the gold medal match, the NHL implements a different approach for its more critical postseason games.

Gone are the days of 3-on-3 play; instead, teams will compete 5-on-5, mirroring regulation rules. Shootouts are also abolished after a five-minute scoreless overtime period. Play continues as sudden death, a format known for potentially extending games significantly.

During the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, featuring the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, three of the initial four matches required extra periods, with one extending into double overtime. Across the entire 2025 NHL playoffs, 20 games concluded in overtime, among which four were double-overtime contests.

So far this postseason, two games have extended beyond regulation, with one of them reaching double overtime.

Key details regarding playoff hockey’s overtime format include:

Explaining NHL Playoff Overtime Mechanics

Should the score remain deadlocked after the initial three periods, teams retreat to their dressing rooms for a 15-minute break as the ice undergoes resurfacing. Overtime frames span 20 minutes or conclude instantly upon a goal being scored. Play is strictly 5-on-5, unless penalties are called. If the first overtime period yields no winner, the sequence reiterates, continuing until a sudden-death goal is registered. Teams swap ends for every overtime period, with the first overtime involving the “long change” to reach the bench.

Every goal scored is subject to review by the NHL Situation Room to ensure its legality.

Record-Breaking NHL Playoff Overtime Games

1 – Six overtimes (116 minutes, 30 seconds of extended play) occurred in the 1936 semifinals on March 24, 1935. Detroit defeated the Montreal Maroons 1-0, with Mud Bruneteau netting the decisive goal.
2 – Six overtimes (104 minutes, 46 seconds of additional play) took place in the 1933 semifinals on April 3, 1933. Toronto emerged victorious over Boston with a 1-0 score, thanks to Ken Doraty’s winning shot.
3 – Five overtimes (92 minutes, 1 second of extra time) unfolded in the 2000 conference semifinals on May 4, 2000. Philadelphia triumphed over Pittsburgh 2-1, with Keith Primeau sealing the win.
4 – Five overtimes (90 minutes, 27 seconds of additional play) were played in the 2020 first round on Aug. 11, 2020. Tampa Bay defeated Columbus 3-2, courtesy of Brayden Point’s game-winning goal.
5 – Five overtimes (80 minutes, 48 seconds of extended action) occurred in the 2003 conference semifinals on April 24, 2003. Anaheim beat Dallas 4-3, with Petr Sykora delivering the decisive marker.
6 – Four overtimes (79 minutes, 47 seconds of extra play) took place in the 2023 conference finals on May 18, 2023. Florida secured a 3-2 victory over Carolina, thanks to Matthew Tkachuk’s winning tally.

Overtime Outcomes in the 2026 NHL Playoffs

April 21: Tampa Bay Lightning 3, Montreal Canadiens 2: J.J. Moser netted his first career NHL playoff goal at 7:12 of the first overtime period, leveling the series at one game each.

April 20: Hurricanes 3, Senators 2: Jordan Martinook secured the win at 13:53 in the second overtime. This came after an earlier overtime goal was disallowed for offsides, and he also missed an overtime penalty shot.

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