The NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs mean a major change in the overtime format.
Unlike the Olympics, where 3-on-3 overtime is played even in the gold medal game, the NHL switches things up in the postseason when the games matter more.
There won't be any more 3-on-3 play. It is 5-on-5 instead, just like in regulation play. There won't be any more shootouts after five minutes of scoreless overtime play. There is sudden death, and it could last a very long time.
This postseason, there have been eight overtime games, including two double-overtime games.
Here's what to know about playoff hockey overtime, including the format, longest games and 2026 results.
April 18: A fan shows off a rally towel before Game 1 between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) greets fans on the blue carpet before opening night against the New York Islanders.
Calgary Flames mascot Harvey the Hound before a game against the Winnipeg Jets.
1 / 33NHL fans and mascots cheer on their teams in 2025-26 seasonApril 18: A fan shows off a rally towel before Game 1 between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.
April 18: A fan shows off a rally towel before Game 1 between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) greets fans on the blue carpet before opening night against the New York Islanders.
Calgary Flames mascot Harvey the Hound before a game against the Winnipeg Jets.
If the score is tied after three periods, the teams go to the dressing rooms for 15 minutes while the ice is resurfaced. Overtime periods last 20 minutes or until someone scores. It's 5-on-5 play (barring penalties). If no one scores in the first overtime, the process repeats and continues until someone scores. The teams change sides for each overtime period. The first overtime is the long change to get back to the bench.
The NHL Situation Room reviews all goals to make sure they are legally scored, such as the goal that ended Game 4 of the Anaheim-Edmonton series.
April 26: Ducks 4, Oilers 3. Ryan Poehling 2:29 into the first overtime to give Anaheim a 3-1 series lead.
RYAN POEHLING IS YOUR @ENERGIZER OVERTIME HERO! 🦸♂️ANAHEIM LEADS 3-1 IN THIS #STANLEYCUP PLAYOFFS SERIES! pic.twitter.com/zYYO1Xt4Cl
April 25: Wild 3, Stars 2. Matt Boldy scored at 19:31 of the first overtime as the Wild tie the series 2-2.
April 24: Canadiens 3, Lightning 2. Lane Hutson scored at 2:09 of the first overtime, giving Montreal a 2-1 series lead.
April 22: Stars 4, Wild 3. Wyatt Johnston scored at 12:10 of the second overtime, giving Dallas a 2-1 series lead.
April 21: Avalanche 2, Kings 1: Nicolas Roy scored the winning goal at the 12:16 mark of the first overtime, giving Colorado a 2-0 series lead.