How Many Overtimes in Playoff Hockey? A Complete Guide

Hockey is known for its fast-paced action, incredible skill, and thrilling moments. One of the most exciting parts of the game is when a match goes into overtime. Overtime is a sudden death period where the first team to score wins. In playoff hockey, every game counts, and the stakes are even higher. But how many overtimes can we expect to see in playoff hockey? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and everything else you need to know about overtimes in playoff hockey.

Overtime is a period of play where both teams have the chance to win the game. The first team to score during overtime is the winner, and the game ends immediately. In playoff hockey, overtime takes on a whole new level of importance. Every game is crucial, and one mistake can mean the end of the season for a team.

Have you ever wondered what happens if no one scores during overtime? Or what strategies teams use to win during this sudden death period? We’ve got you covered. By the end of this guide, you’ll be a playoff hockey overtime expert. So, grab your favorite team’s jersey, settle in, and let’s get started!

What are Overtimes in Hockey?

Overtimes are an exciting part of playoff hockey that can make or break a team’s season. In a playoff game, if the score is tied after three periods, the game goes into overtime. Overtime is a sudden-death period, meaning that the first team to score a goal wins the game.

During the regular season, if the score is tied after three periods, the game ends in a tie. However, during playoff hockey, there must be a winner to advance to the next round of the playoffs.

Playoff hockey is a whole different animal compared to the regular season. The intensity is ramped up, and every goal, save, and hit is crucial. In the playoffs, every game is a must-win game, and the pressure can be intense.

Overtime periods in playoff hockey are often some of the most exciting moments in sports. The sudden-death format means that every shot on goal could be the difference between winning or losing.

It’s essential to note that the length of overtime periods varies between the regular season and the playoffs. During the regular season, overtime is a five-minute period played with three skaters from each team. If the game is still tied after the five-minute period, the game ends in a tie. However, during the playoffs, overtime periods are 20 minutes long and played with five skaters from each team.

Definition of Overtime in Hockey

When a hockey game ends in a tie after regulation time, teams must play an additional period called overtime to determine a winner. In overtime, teams play with fewer players on the ice and the first team to score wins the game.

The length of overtime periods varies depending on the league and level of play. In the NHL, playoff games have sudden-death overtime periods that last 20 minutes, while regular season games have five-minute overtime periods followed by a shootout if necessary.

During overtime, teams continue to play five-on-five, but the game can end quickly if a team scores. Overtime is played on a “golden goal” basis, meaning that the first team to score wins the game. If neither team scores during the overtime period, the game proceeds to a second overtime period and so on.

How Many Overtimes are Played in NHL Playoffs?

In the NHL playoffs, games can go into overtime if the score is tied at the end of regulation time. Overtime in the playoffs is a sudden-death format, meaning the first team to score wins the game.

So, how many overtimes are played in NHL playoffs? The number of overtimes played in a single game during the playoffs varies depending on the game, and the number of overtimes played in the playoffs as a whole can vary from year to year.

During the 2020 NHL playoffs, there were a total of 26 overtime games, with the longest game lasting 151 minutes and 36 seconds. The Tampa Bay Lightning played in the most overtime games, with 8.

The NHL has a rich history of overtime games in the playoffs, with some of the most exciting moments in hockey happening in overtime. For example, in the 1999 Stanley Cup Final, Brett Hull of the Dallas Stars scored the game-winning goal in triple overtime to win the Cup.

Teams that perform well in overtime can gain a significant advantage in the playoffs. In 2020, the Tampa Bay Lightning had a record of 7-1 in overtime games, which was a big factor in their run to the Stanley Cup.

Number of Overtimes Played in NHL Playoffs

Since the NHL playoffs began in 1917, there have been a total of 708 overtime games played through the 2021 playoffs. That’s an average of about 1.94 overtime games per year. The record for the most overtime games in a single playoff season is 28, which occurred in 201This was due to the number of closely contested games and the parity between the teams.

In recent years, the number of overtime games played in the NHL playoffs has been on the rise. In the 2019 playoffs, there were 18 overtime games, and in the 2020 playoffs, there were 20. This is partly due to the increased competitiveness of the league and the fact that teams are more evenly matched than ever before.

Since the 2000 playoffs, the team that wins the first game of a playoff series goes on to win the series approximately 69% of the time. However, in games that go to overtime, the team that wins the first game only goes on to win the series about 57% of the time. This underscores the importance of winning games that go into overtime, as they can often swing the momentum of a series.

The longest playoff game in NHL history occurred on May 4th, 2000, between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The game lasted a total of 152 minutes and 1 second and ended with a score of 2-1 in favor of the Flyers. Keith Primeau scored the game-winning goal at the 12:01 mark of the fifth overtime period. The game is often referred to as the “five overtime game” and remains one of the most memorable games in NHL history.

Despite the increase in the number of overtime games played in recent years, the NHL playoffs remain one of the most exciting and unpredictable events in all of sports. With the Stanley Cup on the line, every game is a must-win for the teams involved, and the intensity and drama only increase when a game goes into overtime.

Longest Overtime Games in NHL Playoff History

Playoff hockey is known for its excitement and intensity, with games often going into overtime. While most overtimes don’t last too long, some have gone on for hours. Here are some of the longest overtime games in NHL playoff history:

The longest NHL playoff game was played on March 24, 1936, when the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Maroons battled for 176 minutes and 30 seconds. Mud Bruneteau scored the game-winning goal for the Red Wings in the sixth overtime period.

In the 2000 Eastern Conference semifinals, the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins faced off in the longest modern-era NHL game. Keith Primeau scored the game-winning goal for the Flyers in the fifth overtime period, after more than 152 minutes of play.

In 1994, the Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars played a game that lasted 140 minutes and 48 seconds. Pavel Bure scored the game-winning goal for the Canucks in the fourth overtime period, giving them a 3-2 win in the Western Conference semifinals.

The 1933 NHL playoff game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins went into overtime, where they played a total of 104 minutes and 46 seconds. Ken Doraty scored the game-winning goal for the Maple Leafs in the sixth overtime period.

These games may be few and far between, but they serve as a reminder of the endurance and determination that playoff hockey requires.

Top 2 Longest Overtime Games in NHL Playoff History

6 Overtimes: Detroit Red Wings vs. Montreal Maroons (1936)

The longest game in NHL history lasted for 176 minutes and 30 seconds. The game took place in the semifinals of the Stanley Cup playoffs and was played on March 24, 193The Detroit Red Wings and the Montreal Maroons battled it out for six overtimes until Mud Bruneteau of the Red Wings scored the winning goal.

5 Overtimes: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins (1933)

The second-longest game in NHL history lasted for 104 minutes and 46 seconds. The game took place in the semifinals of the Stanley Cup playoffs and was played on April 3, 193The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins fought it out for five overtimes until Ken Doraty of the Maple Leafs scored the winning goal.

These two games have become legendary in NHL history and are still talked about by fans today. The sheer endurance and determination displayed by these players are a testament to the grueling nature of playoff hockey.

Other Memorable Overtime Games in NHL Playoff History

While the 2000 playoffs will always be remembered for the five overtime thriller between the Flyers and Penguins, there have been several other unforgettable overtime games in NHL playoff history. One of the most iconic games came in 1996, when the Florida Panthers and Pittsburgh Penguins battled for 92 minutes and 1 second before Keith Primeau scored the game-winning goal to give the Panthers a 1-0 victory in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

In 2013, the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins played one of the most exciting Stanley Cup Finals games in recent memory. The game went into triple overtime, with both teams trading chances until Andrew Shaw scored the game-winner for the Blackhawks to give them a 4-3 victory in Game 1.

Another classic overtime game was played between the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers in the 1997 Western Conference Quarterfinals. In Game 7, the teams battled for over 153 minutes before Todd Marchant scored the series-winning goal for the Oilers, securing a 4-3 victory and a trip to the next round.

Year	Teams	Game/Series
2008	Philadelphia Flyers vs. Washington Capitals	Game 7, Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
2014	New York Rangers vs. Los Angeles Kings	Game 5, Stanley Cup Finals
1999	Dallas Stars vs. Buffalo Sabres	Game 6, Stanley Cup Finals

These games are just a few examples of the many memorable overtime games that have been played in NHL playoff history. They are a testament to the incredible skill, determination, and resilience of the players who compete at the highest level of the game.

What Happens if No One Scores During Overtime?

As exciting as sudden-death overtime in the NHL playoffs can be, there are times when neither team can score during the extra period. In such cases, the game continues until a team scores, resulting in a marathon game that can push both teams to their limits.

During the regular season, a game that goes into overtime results in a guaranteed point for each team. However, in the playoffs, there are no shootouts or ties, so the game will continue until a goal is scored.

When a playoff game goes into overtime and neither team scores, the teams will play another overtime period of the same length. This pattern will continue until a goal is scored. This can lead to games that last several hours and test the endurance and mental toughness of the players.

There have been several games in NHL playoff history where teams have played multiple overtime periods without a goal being scored. These games are often remembered as some of the most epic battles in NHL history, with players fighting through fatigue and injuries to try to score the winning goal.

It’s not uncommon for players to play 40 or 50 minutes of ice time in a single game when it goes into multiple overtime periods. This can take a toll on the body and the mind, and players must remain focused and determined in order to keep playing at a high level.

Format of Overtime in NHL Playoff Games

In the NHL playoffs, sudden-death overtime can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking for players and fans alike. Here is a breakdown of the format of overtime in NHL playoff games:

1. Length of Overtime: In the playoffs, overtime periods are 20 minutes long. Unlike the regular season, there is no limit to the number of overtime periods that can be played.
2. Ice Cleaning: Before the start of the first overtime period, the ice is cleaned and resurfaced. However, subsequent overtime periods do not have ice-cleaning breaks, which can make the ice more choppy and difficult to play on as the game goes on.
3. Golden Goal: In sudden-death overtime, the first team to score a goal wins the game. This is known as the “golden goal” rule. If neither team scores during the first overtime period, the game continues with additional 20-minute periods until a goal is scored.

Teams must adjust their strategies and lineups during overtime, with coaches often relying on their top players to play extended shifts and make big plays. As the game goes on, fatigue and injuries can become major factors, making it crucial for teams to stay focused and disciplined.

While it’s rare, sometimes neither team scores during the first overtime in a playoff game, which raises the question of what happens next. There are rules in place to determine what happens in this situation.

The format of overtime in the NHL playoffs is sudden death. The first team to score a goal wins the game, and the game can end at any moment. However, if no team scores during the first overtime period, the game will go into a second overtime period.

During the regular season, the NHL has a different system for overtime games. After the first overtime period, the game goes into a shootout, where each team gets three shots on goal. If there’s still a tie after the shootout, the game goes into sudden-death shootout rounds until there’s a winner. However, the NHL does not use this system during the playoffs.

In the second overtime period, the teams switch ends of the ice to account for any advantage one team may have had due to wind or ice conditions. The game continues until one team scores, and there are no limits to the number of overtime periods that can occur. In fact, the longest playoff game in NHL history was a six-overtime game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Montreal Maroons in 1936, which lasted over 116 minutes of play.

If no team scores during the second overtime period, the game goes into a third overtime period, and the process continues until one team scores. While rare, there have been instances where games have gone into multiple overtime periods. These games can be grueling for players, as they can last several hours and require a great deal of physical and mental stamina.

It’s worth noting that the NHL playoffs use a bracket-style tournament system, which means that every game is crucial. In the event of a tie, the game will continue until one team scores, and the losing team will be eliminated from the playoffs. Therefore, the stakes are high, and teams are motivated to continue playing until a winner is determined.

How Many Overtimes Can Be Played in NHL Playoffs?

Maximum of 6 Overtimes

The answer to this question is simple and straightforward: there is no limit to the number of overtimes that can be played in NHL playoffs. However, there is a practical limit to the number of overtimes that can be played in one game due to player exhaustion and arena scheduling.

Longest Game in NHL History

The longest NHL playoff game ever played was between the Detroit Red Wings and the Montreal Maroons on March 24, 193The game was tied at 1-1 at the end of regulation time and then went into overtime. The first overtime period ended without a goal, and so did the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth. Finally, at the 16:30 mark of the sixth overtime, Mud Bruneteau of the Red Wings scored to end the game. The total length of the game was 176 minutes and 30 seconds.

Modern-Day Playoff Overtime Length

Today, the average length of an NHL playoff overtime game is around 20 minutes. If no one scores during the first overtime period, the game will continue with additional 20-minute periods until a goal is scored. There is a break between periods to allow the players to rest and receive medical attention if necessary.

Strategies for Winning During Overtime in Playoff Hockey

Be Aggressive: In overtime, it is important to maintain pressure on the opponent’s defensive zone. The more aggressive the team, the higher the chances of scoring a goal. Players should take risks and create opportunities whenever possible.

Strong Defensive Play: While it is important to be aggressive, the team must also maintain a strong defensive game. Teams must be careful not to get caught up in their offensive game, leaving themselves vulnerable to counter-attacks.

Special Teams: In playoff overtime games, penalties are less likely to be called. However, when they do occur, they can be very costly. Teams with strong special teams, both power play and penalty kill, have an advantage in overtime.

Experience: Overtime playoff games can be very intense and nerve-wracking, and it is important for teams to have experienced players who can handle the pressure. Experienced players know how to stay calm and make the right decisions when the game is on the line.

Goaltending: Goaltending is always critical in any playoff game, but it becomes even more important in overtime. A strong performance by the goaltender can give the team the opportunity to win the game, even if they are being outplayed by the opponent.

Offensive Strategies for Winning During Overtime in Playoff Hockey

One strategy for winning during overtime is to increase offensive pressure on the opposing team. This involves aggressive forechecking and sustained offensive zone time, which can wear down the other team and create scoring opportunities. Teams may also look to utilize their most skilled and creative players to generate high-quality scoring chances.

Another effective strategy is to take advantage of odd-man rushes. Teams may attempt to spring players on breakaways or create 2-on-1 or 3-on-2 opportunities by catching the other team in a bad line change or turnover. Quick and precise passing can be key in these situations to create the best possible scoring chance.

A third offensive strategy is to shoot often and from all angles. In overtime, any shot on net has the potential to end the game, and teams may look to fire pucks from the point or take quick shots off faceoffs or rebounds. By getting pucks on net and generating traffic in front of the opposing goaltender, teams can create scoring opportunities and potentially end the game with a lucky bounce or deflection.

Defensive Strategies for Winning During Overtime in Playoff Hockey

Protect the Slot: One of the most crucial areas of the ice is the slot. Defenders need to prevent opponents from getting to this area to make high percentage scoring chances.

Clear the Puck: In overtime, teams can’t afford to make mistakes in their own end. Defensemen should try to clear the puck out of the zone whenever they can to avoid turning the puck over to the opposing team.

Stay Disciplined: Avoid taking unnecessary penalties that could give the opposition an advantage. During overtime, even a small mistake could be the difference between winning and losing, so stay focused and avoid taking risks.

Frequently Asked Questions