Hockey overtime intermissions are one of the most thrilling moments in the game, leaving fans on the edge of their seats waiting for the final score. But, have you ever wondered how long a hockey overtime intermission lasts?
The answer may shock you.
While regular intermissions in hockey last only 15 minutes, overtime intermissions can be much longer, stretching up to 18-20 minutes or even more in some cases.
So, why do these intermissions take so long? What happens during them? And, how do players prepare for the final stretch of the game?
If you want to know the answers to these questions and more, keep reading to discover the shocking truth about hockey overtime intermissions.
Table of Contents
Why Overtime Intermissions Can Last Longer Than Regular Ones
Overtime intermissions in hockey can be much longer than regular intermissions, often leaving fans wondering why. Here are some reasons:
Injury Treatment and Recovery
- Medical Treatment: Injuries are common in hockey, especially during intense games. During overtime intermissions, players can receive medical treatment for minor injuries, which can take some extra time.
- Recovery Time: Overtime is mentally and physically demanding for players, so they often need more time to rest and recover. The extended intermission provides them with the time they need to refuel and get back to the game.
TV Broadcasting and Advertisements
TV Broadcasting: Hockey games are broadcasted on TV, and TV commercials play an essential role in generating revenue. During overtime intermissions, the broadcasting network airs more ads, which means longer intermissions.
Game Preparation
- Strategy: Overtime is a crucial part of the game, and the players and coaches need to plan their strategy for winning. The extended intermission provides them with enough time to discuss and implement new strategies.
- Equipment Maintenance: Players often need to adjust their equipment, such as sharpening their skates or fixing their helmets, to perform better in overtime. The longer intermission allows them to do so.
- Mental Preparation: Overtime is a high-pressure situation, and players need to be mentally prepared for it. During the extended intermission, players can take some extra time to calm their nerves and focus on the game.
Now that you know why hockey overtime intermissions can last longer than regular ones, you can enjoy the game with a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes.
What Happens During a Hockey Overtime Intermission?
When a hockey game is tied at the end of regulation time, an overtime period is played to determine the winner. However, what happens during this overtime intermission?
The length of an overtime intermission can vary depending on the league and the venue. In the NHL, the intermission is typically 15 minutes, the same as a regular intermission. However, some other leagues may have shorter or longer intermissions.
Warm-Up Time
During the overtime intermission, the teams are given time to warm up and prepare for the overtime period. The players may skate around and shoot pucks to get their blood flowing and to stay loose during the break.
Strategy Discussions
The coaching staff of each team also uses this time to discuss strategy and make any necessary adjustments to their game plan. They may review video footage of the game so far and analyze the opposing team’s play to determine how best to attack or defend during the overtime period.
Zamboni Maintenance
While the players and coaches are preparing for overtime, the ice surface is also being maintained. The Zamboni comes out and resurfaces the ice, making it as smooth and clean as possible for the upcoming period. This process can take up to 10 minutes.
So, while it may seem like the overtime intermission is simply a break for the players and fans to catch their breath, there is actually a lot of activity and preparation happening behind the scenes to ensure the best possible outcome for both teams.
How Do Players Prepare During an Overtime Intermission?
During an overtime intermission, players have to quickly regroup and prepare themselves for the next period of play. This time can be crucial, as it can determine the outcome of the game. There are several things players do to prepare:
Replenish Energy: Players will use the intermission to rehydrate and refuel their bodies with carbohydrates and electrolytes. They might eat energy bars, fruits or drink energy drinks to regain their energy levels.
Analyze Their Performance: Coaches and players will analyze the team’s performance so far and make any necessary changes to their game plan. They might also discuss what worked and what didn’t work in the previous period.
Stay Focused: Players will stay focused on the task ahead and visualize how they want to play during the next period. They might also do breathing exercises or listen to music to calm their nerves and stay focused.
Stretching and Warm-Up Exercises
Stretching and warm-up exercises are crucial for players during the overtime intermission. They need to keep their bodies loose and ready for the next period of play. Some players might do specific exercises to target certain areas that are prone to injury, like their groin or hip flexors. Others might focus on their core and lower back to prevent fatigue and injury.
Equipment Checks and Adjustments
Players will use the overtime intermission to check their equipment, including their skates, gloves, and helmets. They will ensure that everything is working correctly and make any necessary adjustments. They might also change their socks or jerseys if they are too wet or dirty.
Mental Preparation
Mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation during the overtime intermission. Players need to be mentally prepared and focused on the task ahead. They might do breathing exercises, visualization, or listen to music to calm their nerves and stay focused. They might also talk to their teammates and encourage each other to stay positive and focused.
The Impact of Long Overtime Intermissions on Fans
Watching a hockey game is always an exciting experience, but what happens when the game goes into overtime? Overtime can be thrilling for fans, but it can also be exhausting, especially if the overtime intermission is long. Here’s a closer look at how long overtime intermissions impact fans.
Firstly, a long overtime intermission can be physically and mentally draining for fans. After watching intense gameplay for three periods, fans are often already fatigued. When the game goes into overtime, fans are faced with more uncertainty, as the game could end at any moment. If the intermission is long, this can cause fans to lose focus and become restless.
Effects on TV Viewership
TV viewership can also be impacted by long overtime intermissions. When the game goes into overtime, TV networks typically have a set schedule for their programming. A long overtime intermission can cause the rest of the scheduled programming to be delayed, which can be frustrating for viewers. This can also lead to a drop in ratings, as some viewers may choose to turn off the TV and do something else while waiting for the game to resume.
Effects on In-Arena Experience
In-arena experience is also impacted by long overtime intermissions. Fans who have paid for tickets to attend the game in person may become impatient during a long intermission, especially if they are waiting for transportation or have other plans after the game. Additionally, concession stands may run out of food and drink, leaving fans hungry and thirsty. All of these factors can lead to a negative in-arena experience for fans.
Impact on Player Performance
Long overtime intermissions can also have an impact on player performance. When players are forced to wait for an extended period of time, their muscles can become stiff and their focus may be affected. This can lead to slower gameplay and even injuries. Additionally, players may become mentally fatigued, which can cause them to make mistakes on the ice.
In conclusion, long overtime intermissions can have a significant impact on fans, TV viewership, in-arena experience, and player performance. While it’s impossible to predict how long overtime will last, taking steps to minimize the impact of long intermissions can help ensure that everyone enjoys the game, no matter how long it lasts.
What Happens If No Team Scores During Overtime?
During an NHL game, if the score remains tied at the end of regulation time, there is a five-minute sudden-death overtime period. However, if neither team scores during the overtime period, the game moves on to a shootout to determine the winner.
In a shootout, three players from each team take turns attempting to score on the opposing team’s goaltender. The team with the most goals after three rounds wins the game. If the game remains tied after three rounds, a sudden-death shootout takes place, where teams take turns shooting until one team scores and the other team fails to score.
Shootout Rules
- Coaches select three players from their teams to participate in the shootout.
- The home team decides whether they want to shoot first or second.
- The order of shooters alternates between teams until all six have taken their shot.
- If the shootout remains tied after six shots, the teams continue to alternate shooters until one team scores and the other team fails to score.
Winning the Shootout
The team that scores the most goals in the shootout is declared the winner of the game. The winning team earns two points in the standings, and the losing team earns one point for forcing the game into overtime.
The shootout is a thrilling conclusion to a tied game, but it can also be controversial, as some people believe that it is not a fair way to determine the winner of a game. However, it remains an exciting and integral part of NHL games and is loved by many fans around the world.
Why the NHL Changed Its Overtime Intermission Rules
For years, NHL games that went into overtime saw both teams take a 15-minute break between regulation and overtime periods. However, in the 2020-21 season, the league announced a change to this rule. Instead of the traditional 15-minute intermission, teams would only have a 3-minute intermission before the start of overtime. So, why did the NHL make this change?
The decision was based on a number of factors, but the primary reason was player safety. The longer intermission meant that players had more time to cool down and potentially tighten up, increasing the risk of injury when play resumed. Additionally, the longer intermission extended the length of games, which could be problematic for teams with tight schedules or for broadcasters trying to fit games into certain time slots.
Factors that Led to the Rule Change
- Player Safety: With less time between periods, players are less likely to cool down and potentially tighten up, reducing the risk of injury when play resumes.
- Scheduling: A shorter intermission means games can end sooner, making it easier for teams to travel and for broadcasters to fit games into certain time slots.
- Fan Experience: Fans can enjoy more fast-paced action and a higher likelihood of a thrilling game-winning goal.
Impact of the Rule Change
The rule change has had a noticeable impact on the game, with more games being decided in overtime rather than going to shootouts. In the 2019-20 season, 14.5% of games went to shootouts, while in the 2020-21 season, only 9.7% of games went to shootouts. Additionally, with less time to rest and strategize, teams may be more likely to take risks and play a more aggressive style of game, leading to more exciting and unpredictable gameplay.
Overall, the NHL’s decision to shorten the overtime intermission has been met with positive feedback from fans and players alike. The change has led to a faster-paced, more exciting game with a lower risk of injury for players. While it may take some time for players and coaches to adjust to the new format, the results so far suggest that the change was a smart move by the NHL.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a hockey overtime intermission?
A hockey overtime intermission lasts for 3 minutes. This is the time given for the teams to take a break and strategize for the upcoming overtime period. During this intermission, the ice is resurfaced, and the teams are given a chance to regroup and catch their breath before returning to the ice.
What happens during a hockey overtime intermission?
During a hockey overtime intermission, the ice is resurfaced, and the teams are given a chance to rest and regroup. The players can take a quick break, hydrate, and discuss their strategy for the upcoming overtime period with their coaches. The referees also use this time to review any calls or plays that may need to be looked at.
Can teams make lineup changes during a hockey overtime intermission?
Yes, teams are allowed to make lineup changes during a hockey overtime intermission. This is an opportunity for coaches to make adjustments to their lines based on the game situation and the opposing team’s strengths and weaknesses. Teams can make substitutions and adjust their tactics before returning to the ice for the overtime period.
How is the winner determined if no team scores during the overtime period?
If no team scores during the overtime period, the game proceeds to a shootout. Each team selects three shooters to take penalty shots, and the team with the most goals after the shootout wins the game. If the shootout is tied after three rounds, additional rounds are played until a winner is determined.
Can teams call timeouts during a hockey overtime period?
Yes, each team is allowed one timeout during a hockey game, including during the overtime period. A timeout can be used to give players a break, discuss strategy, or make lineup changes. However, it’s essential to use the timeout wisely, as it cannot be carried over to another period, and it could be a crucial factor in the game’s outcome.
How often does a hockey game go into overtime?
The frequency of hockey games going into overtime varies from season to season and depends on various factors such as the teams’ playing styles, strengths and weaknesses, and the game situation. However, on average, about 20% of NHL games go into overtime, and about half of those games proceed to a shootout.