NHL playoff overtime rules: Postseason hockey bracket changes OT format
The 2025 NHL playoffs mean true overtime hockey is back. Three-on-three play and shootouts are out and there could be some very long games.
www.usatoday.comHere’s the latest on NHL playoff overtime rules (as of 2025–2026 coverage):
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In the playoffs, overtime is 20 minutes of 5-on-5 play, and the game ends as soon as a goal is scored (sudden death). If no goal is scored in the first overtime period, a second overtime period follows with a 15-minute intermission, and play continues until a goal ends the game. This format can extend indefinitely until a goal is scored. This rule change marked a move away from the typical regular-season 3-on-3 format and shootouts [USA Today: playoffs overtime rules; DIRECTV Insider; Sporting News coverage].[1][2][4]
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Penalties in overtime in the playoffs are enforced the same as in regulation, with power plays awarded as usual, meaning a penalty can create a temporary 5-on-4 or 5-on-3 situation depending on the call and time [USA Today: playoff rules; Sporting News: OT regulations].[4][1]
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The shift from a 3-on-3 format (used in regular-season OT for a few years) to full 5-on-5 playoff overtime aimed to emphasize continuous five-on-five play, with the winner determined by the first goal in overtime periods, and no shootouts in the playoffs under these rules. This has been noted in multiple outlets during the 2024–25 and 2025 playoffs [USA Today: post-season OT format; Sporting News: OT rules explained].[3][4]
If you’d like, I can pull and summarize any specific game examples from the current playoffs showing how the overtime periods unfolded (e.g., number of overtimes in a series, notable double overtime games) and provide links. Would you prefer a quick bulleted recap of notable OT games this season or a brief table comparing playoff OT format to regular-season OT? I can also fetch the latest updates for a particular team or series.