The NHL playoffs bring excitement and intense competition, especially during overtime. Each year, passionate games unfold as teams fight for their place in history. Understanding NHL overtime usage is crucial for fans, especially this postseason.
NHL Overtime Format Explained
In NHL playoffs, if the score remains tied after three periods, teams enter a structured overtime format. Here’s how it works:
- Teams have a 15-minute intermission for ice resurfacing.
- Overtime lasts for 20 minutes or until a goal is scored.
- During overtime, teams play 5-on-5, unless penalties occur.
- If no goals are scored, the overtime period repeats.
- Teams swap sides for each overtime period, with the first period featuring a long change.
2026 NHL Playoff Overtime Highlights
This postseason has been action-packed. A total of 17 overtime games have already occurred, including three with double overtime. Notable overtime moments include:
- May 13: Avalanche 4, Wild 3 — Brett Kulak netted the winner at 3:52 of the first overtime.
- May 12: Golden Knights 3, Ducks 2 — Pavel Dorofeyev scored just over four minutes into overtime.
- May 9: Hurricanes 3, Flyers 2 — Jackson Blake scored at 5:31 of the first overtime.
Longest Overtime Games in NHL History
Historically, some NHL playoff games have stretched into lengthy overtime periods. The top five longest games include:
| Rank | Date | Teams | Overtime Length | Winning Goal Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 24, 1936 | Detroit vs. Montreal Maroons | 6 Overtimes (116:30) | Mud Bruneteau |
| 2 | April 3, 1933 | Toronto vs. Boston | 6 Overtimes (104:46) | Ken Doraty |
| 3 | May 4, 2000 | Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh | 5 Overtimes (92:01) | Keith Primeau |
| 4 | August 11, 2020 | Tampa Bay vs. Columbus | 5 Overtimes (90:27) | Brayden Point |
| 5 | April 24, 2003 | Anaheim vs. Dallas | 5 Overtimes (80:48) | Petr Sykora |
2026 Playoff Overtime Goal Leaders
In the ongoing 2026 playoffs, several players have made their mark with impressive overtime performances.
- 5 Goals: Corey Perry, Lightning
- 4 Goals: Leon Draisaitl, Oilers (NHL record for one postseason)
- 3 Goals: Brayden Point, Lightning; Jordan Staal, Hurricanes; Anze Kopitar, Kings; Artemi Panarin, Kings; Matt Duchene, Stars
As the NHL playoffs progress, fans can expect more thrilling overtime moments and significant achievements. Stay tuned for updates and results from El-Balad.
