Hockey is one of the most fast-paced and thrilling sports, and when games are tied at the end of regulation, overtime adds even more excitement. Whether it’s the NHL, international competitions, or minor leagues, different organizations have unique overtime formats designed to determine a winner in a fair yet entertaining way.

This guide explains how overtime works across various hockey leagues, including the NHL, international tournaments, college hockey, and more.

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NHL Overtime Rules

The National Hockey League (NHL) has different overtime rules depending on whether it’s a regular season, playoffs, or Stanley Cup Final.

Regular Season Overtime

• 3-on-3 Format: Overtime consists of a 5-minute sudden-death period played with only three skaters per team plus a goalie.
• Golden Goal Rule: The first team to score wins the game immediately.
• If No Team Scores: The game moves to a shootout, where each team selects three players for penalty shots. If still tied, the shootout continues in a sudden-death format until one team wins.

This format was introduced to increase scoring chances and reduce ties, making overtime more thrilling for fans.

NHL Playoff Overtime Rules

In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, overtime rules change significantly:

• No shootouts – Games must be decided by scoring a goal.
• Full 20-minute periods – Unlike the 5-minute regular season format, overtime is played in full periods until a goal is scored.
• 5-on-5 format – Teams play with their full lineup, maintaining traditional hockey rules.
• Unlimited overtime – There is no limit to the number of overtime periods. Some playoff games have gone into double, triple, and even quadruple overtime before deciding a winner.

Playoff overtime is known for its high intensity, dramatic moments, and endurance battles, as every shot and save could be the game-winner.

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International Hockey Overtime Rules (IIHF & Olympics)

International hockey, including the Olympics and World Championships, follows slightly different overtime rules than the NHL.

• Preliminary Round: Games tied after regulation go to a 5-minute, 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime, followed by a shootout if necessary.
• Medal Round Games: Overtime is extended to 10 minutes of sudden death before a shootout.
• Gold Medal Games: A 20-minute sudden-death period is played instead of a shorter format, keeping the pressure high.

These variations are designed to balance fairness and excitement while ensuring major championship games are decided on the ice rather than a shootout.

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College Hockey Overtime Rules (NCAA)

College hockey (NCAA) follows unique overtime rules that vary between regular-season and postseason play.

Regular Season

• 5-minute sudden-death overtime (3-on-3 format).
• If still tied, games may end as a tie in some conferences.
• Some conferences use a shootout for extra points in standings, while others do not.

NCAA Tournament Overtime

• Full 20-minute periods in a 5-on-5 format until a goal is scored.
• No shootouts – every playoff game must end in an overtime goal.
• This format closely mirrors the NHL playoffs.

Because NCAA teams play fewer games than NHL teams, the league emphasizes sudden-death overtime over shootouts in tournament play.

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AHL & Minor League Overtime Rules

The American Hockey League (AHL) and most minor leagues use an overtime format similar to the NHL:

• Regular season: 5-minute, 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime, followed by a shootout if no goal is scored.
• Playoffs: Full 20-minute sudden-death periods, just like the NHL.

Since the AHL serves as a development league for the NHL, its overtime rules closely resemble those of the NHL to prepare players for the transition to the highest level.

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Conclusion

Overtime rules in hockey vary significantly between leagues, with some prioritizing fast-paced, high-scoring formats like 3-on-3 play, while others opt for longer, more traditional sudden-death overtime.

• The NHL and AHL use 3-on-3 sudden death in the regular season, with shootouts deciding tied games.
• Playoff overtime in professional leagues follows the full-period, 5-on-5 sudden death format with unlimited overtime periods.
• International and NCAA hockey feature unique variations designed to balance fairness and entertainment.

No matter the format, hockey overtime provides some of the most exciting moments in sports, where every shot, pass, and save can decide the game.