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:
- The playoff overtime format has shifted away from the 3-on-3 format used in the regular season. Playoff games proceed with full 20-minute periods of 5-on-5 play, and the first team to score wins (sudden death).[1][3][4]
- If no goal is scored in a given 20-minute playoff overtime period, the game continues with another 20-minute period, and intermissions between periods are 15 minutes, just like regulation play.[3][1]
- Penalties carry over as usual; power plays can decide a game if a goal is scored during a man-advantage situation in any overtime frame.[2][4]
Illustrative example: in recent playoffs, several games extended into multiple overtime periods, underscoring the rule that there is no fixed limit in playoff OT beyond the next goal (sudden death).[3]
Note: For the most current specifics (team-by-team rule tweaks, any league-wide clarifications), I can pull the latest official notes or reputable outlets from today. Would you like me to fetch the freshest official NHL guidance or a current overview from a sports outlet?
Citations:
- Playoff overtime format and sudden-death rule details.[1]
- 20-minute overtime periods with intermissions and continued overtime as needed.[2]
- Practical implications and examples from recent playoffs showing multiple OT periods.[4][3]