How does overtime work in the Stanley Cup Playoffs?
Rule- Canada
- NHL
- Professional hockey
- Playing rules
- 2026-27
- Fans
In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, when a game is tied after three 20-minute periods, the teams take a 15-minute intermission and then resume playing 20-minute periods, changing ends at the start of each overtime period. The team that scores the first goal in overtime is declared the winner of the game.
Source: NHL Official Rules 2026-2027, Rule 84.5.
Updated 25 Oct 2026