NHL overtime rules, explained: How the OT format works in hockey for regular season, playoffs
After three periods, there are different sets of rules for the regular season and playoffs in the NHL.
www.sportingnews.comHere’s the latest on NHL overtime rules, based on recent coverage up to 2025-2026.
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Regular-season overtime format: A 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime period lasting five minutes is standard, after which teams may go to a shootout if tied. This format has been in place since 2015-16 and remains the default for most regular-season games. [cite ][cite ][cite ]
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Playoffs: Overtime in the playoffs is 20-minute periods of 5-on-5 play, continuing until a goal is scored, with multiple overtime periods possible on a single game night. This is distinct from the regular-season 3-on-3 format. [cite ][cite ]
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Considerations and debates: There has been ongoing discussion among league executives and analysts about whether to extend overtime length or alter the format (e.g., longer 3-on-3 sessions or four-on-four variations) to balance excitement, player workload, and the frequency of shootouts. Some opinions favor keeping the current format due to its effectiveness in reducing shootouts, while others argue for experimentation with longer OT to potentially reduce shootouts further. [cite ][cite ]
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Point of reference figures: The share of games decided in overtime has historically trended upward in recent years, with OT involvement becoming a more common outcome in the regular season; conversations about changes are often tied to these trends and player feedback. [cite ][cite ]
If you’d like, I can pull the very latest official statements from NHL communications or summarize the current stance from general managers and the hockey operations department. I can also compare the standard rules to any proposed experimental formats in a side-by-side table.