🏒 Understanding How Many Overtimes in NHL Games

When it comes to the thrilling world of hockey, few moments are as electrifying as overtime. If you’re wondering how many overtimes in NHL occur in a game or what the rules are during playoff battles, you’re not alone. Many fans, bettors, and even new viewers seek to understand NHL overtime rules, sudden death mechanics, and the historical context behind marathon matchups.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how many overtimes in NHL games—from regular season to playoffs—while ensuring clarity for casual fans and insights for seasoned enthusiasts.

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📊 Quick NHL Overtime Reference Table

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🏒 Understanding How Many Overtimes in NHL Games

How Many Overtimes in NHL Regular Season?

In the regular season, only one overtime period is played if a game is tied after the standard 60 minutes (three 20-minute periods). Here’s how it works:

• The overtime format is 3-on-3 (excluding goalies).

• The period lasts for 5 minutes of sudden death—the first team to score wins.

• If no team scores during overtime, the game proceeds to a shootout, where three shooters from each side alternate turns to score on the opposing goaltender.

This approach keeps games fast-paced and reduces the physical toll of extended play during the long 82-game regular season.

Key Terms:

• Sudden death: The game ends immediately after the first goal.

• 3-on-3 format: Each team fields only 3 skaters (plus a goalie), increasing scoring chances.

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How Many Overtimes in NHL Playoffs?

When the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin, everything changes.

There is no limit to the number of overtime periods in NHL playoff games. If the score remains tied, teams play continuous 20-minute 5-on-5 overtime periods until a goal is scored.

That means a playoff game can stretch into double, triple, or even sextuple overtime, depending on how long it takes for one team to break the deadlock.

Key Features of Playoff OT:

• Full 20-minute periods

• Standard 5-on-5 hockey

• Ice resurfaced between each overtime period

• No shootouts; the game must be decided by a goal

This intense format has led to some of the longest games in NHL history, where players have skated for over 100 minutes past regulation.

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🏆 Historical Overtime Marathons in NHL

Some of the most legendary moments in hockey have happened during endless playoff overtimes. Here are a few examples:

✅ Longest NHL Game Ever Played

• Date: March 24, 1936

• Teams: Detroit Red Wings vs. Montreal Maroons

• Overtimes: 6

• Total Game Time: 176 minutes, 30 seconds

• Winning Goal: Mud Bruneteau scored after 116:30 of OT

This remains the longest game in NHL history—a feat unlikely to be repeated in the modern era.

✅ Longest Game in the 21st Century

• Date: August 11, 2020

• Teams: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

• Overtimes: 5

• Total Game Time: 150:27

• Winning Goal: Brayden Point scored in 5th OT

This game captured global attention and tested players’ limits physically and mentally.

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🧠 Why Does the NHL Use Different Overtime Rules?

The NHL’s overtime structure differs between the regular season and playoffs for a strategic reason:

• In the regular season, time constraints and fan experience are prioritized, so a faster resolution (3-on-3 + shootout) ensures broadcast schedules and player fatigue are managed.

• In the playoffs, the integrity of each game is paramount. No shortcuts. The Stanley Cup can’t be decided by a shootout—it must be earned in extended 5-on-5 play, even if it takes all night.

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📈 How Many Overtimes in NHL Typically Occur Per Season?

Statistically, about 23-25% of NHL regular season games go to overtime. Of those, nearly half are decided in shootouts.

In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, roughly 30% of games reach overtime, with a small fraction (less than 2%) going past double OT.

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❓FAQs About NHL Overtime Rules

🔹 How many overtimes in NHL can happen in one game?

• In regular season: One overtime, then a shootout.

• In playoffs: Unlimited 20-minute overtime periods until someone scores.

🔹 Has there ever been a 7-overtime NHL game?

• No, the longest is 6 overtimes (Detroit vs. Montreal, 1936).

🔹 Can a team win a playoff game in 1st overtime?

• Yes, and most OT playoff games are decided in the first extra period.

🔹 How do shootouts work in NHL?

• Each team selects 3 shooters.

• If tied after three rounds, it moves to sudden death rounds.

• The team with the most goals wins the game.

🔹 Is 3-on-3 overtime fair?

• It’s designed to open space and encourage scoring.

• While some purists argue it changes team dynamics, many fans enjoy the fast-paced action.

🔹 Do players get tired during long overtime?

• Absolutely. Conditioning is crucial. In long games, coaches shorten bench rotations, and players rely heavily on hydration, focus, and resilience.

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🧭 Betting Insights: Overtime and Wagering Strategy

For those interested in sports betting, NHL overtime presents unique opportunities:

• Overtime Props: Some platforms offer bets on “Will the game go to OT?”

• Live Betting: Overtime lines shift fast; watch trends carefully.

• Shootout Specials: Wager on specific shooters or outcomes.

Always check with sportsbooks for rule variations, as not all platforms handle overtime stats the same way. Bettors should understand when overtime goals count for totals or spreads.

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📚 Related Reading

Want to dive deeper into the history and evolution of NHL rules? Check out this Wikipedia article on the National Hockey League (NHL) for a broader context on how the game has evolved.

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📌 Summary: How Many Overtimes in NHL?

In conclusion, understanding how many overtimes in NHL games occur depends on the season:

• Regular season: 1 overtime + shootout if necessary.

• Playoffs: Unlimited overtimes until a goal is scored.

Whether you’re a fan, player, or sports bettor, knowing the NHL overtime rules helps you appreciate the intensity and unpredictability that makes hockey one of the most exciting sports in the world.