When the NHL playoffs roll around, hockey fans know one thing for certain: the overtime rules change in a big way. Unlike the regular season or even the Olympics, where 3-on-3 play and shootouts can decide a winner, the Stanley Cup playoffs bring back classic, high-stakes sudden death hockey. That means every shift matters, and every save could be the difference between advancing or heading home.

In the postseason, the gimmicks are gone. Instead of the fast-paced 3-on-3 format, teams play 5-on-5—just like regulation. And there are no shootouts. If the score remains tied after 60 minutes, it's straight to sudden death overtime, where the next goal wins. This format can lead to marathon games that test endurance, strategy, and sheer willpower. Already this postseason, we've seen 13 overtime games, including three that stretched into double overtime.

Here's how it works: after regulation, the ice is resurfaced during a 15-minute intermission. Then, the teams return for a full 20-minute overtime period. If no one scores, they do it all over again—and again, if needed—until a winner is found. It's hockey at its most pure and intense.

For fans tracking the action, the 2026 playoffs have already delivered some unforgettable moments. And while the overtime battles are keeping everyone on the edge of their seats, the league is also celebrating individual excellence. The finalists for major awards like the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award have been announced, with standout names including San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov, and Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid. Meanwhile, Anaheim Ducks goaltender Ville Husso is a nominee for the Masterton Trophy, honoring perseverance and dedication to the game.

Whether you're gearing up for a long night of playoff hockey or just love the drama of sudden death, understanding the overtime rules adds to the excitement. And for fans who want to show their support, there's no better time to gear up in your team's colors—because in the playoffs, every game is a battle, and every moment could be history in the making.