The NHL takes on a vastly different look during regular season overtime.
That’s when the hockey takes on a 3-on-3 format that lasts for just five minutes before a shootout.
But in the playoffs?
The hockey can last forever.
MORE READING: Jets score miracle goal to force Game 7 OT
NHL overtime rules for playoff games
If the game is tied after regulation, action resumes with a 20-minute overtime period.
It’s sudden-death, so the first goal in OT wins the game.
If no one scores, the clock resets to 20 minutes and they do it all over again.
The game can last forever. They’ll just keep playing until someone scores.
Longest overtime games in NHL playoff history
There have been two playoff games that lasted six overtimes:
- 1936: Red Wings 1, Maroons 0
- 1933; Maple Leafs 1, Bruins 0
Another three games have lasted five overtimes:
- 2000: Flyers 2, Penguins 1
- 2020: Lightning 3, Blue Jackets 2
- 2003: Ducks 4, Stars 3
The most recent marathon game was Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Panthers and Hurricanes. Florida won that game 3-2 with 13 seconds remaining in the fourth overtime.
MORE: Read about longest games in NHL history
Read the full article here