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NHL playoff overtime rules: Postseason hockey bracket changes OT format
TL;DR
The NHL is changing its playoff overtime format to 5-on-5 play, eliminating 3-on-3 overtime and shootouts. This sudden death format will continue until a goal is scored.
Key points
- NHL playoff overtime will be 5-on-5 instead of 3-on-3
- Shootouts are eliminated in the playoffs
- Sudden death format continues until a goal is scored
NHLStanley Cup playoffs
NHL playoff overtime rules: Postseason hockey bracket changes OT format
The NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs are getting underway, meaning 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's 5-on-5 instead. 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.
In the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, three of the first four games went to overtime, including one double-overtime game. Overall in the 2025 NHL playoffs, 20 games went to overtime, including four double-overtime games.
Here's a primer on playoff hockey overtime:
Q&A
What are the new NHL playoff overtime rules for 2023?
The new rules state that NHL playoff overtime will feature 5-on-5 play, eliminating 3-on-3 overtime and shootouts.
How does the NHL playoff overtime format differ from the Olympics?
Unlike the Olympics, which uses 3-on-3 overtime, the NHL will use 5-on-5 play during its playoff overtime.
What happens if no goal is scored in NHL playoff overtime?
If no goal is scored in the first five minutes of overtime, the game continues in sudden death until a goal is scored.
