How does regular-season overtime work?

If the score is tied after three 20-minute periods, each team is awarded one point in the standings. The teams then play an overtime period of not more than five minutes, with each side at three skaters and one goalkeeper. The team that scores first wins and is awarded an additional point.

• The ice is shovelled before overtime. There is no intermission on the clock, but overtime is expected to start about two minutes after regulation ends. Players stay at their benches and cannot return to the dressing room.
• Teams change ends, and defend the same end as they did in the second period.
• Goalkeepers go to their benches during the rest period, but penalized players must stay on the penalty bench.
• If nobody scores in the five minutes, the game goes to a shootout.

Source: NHL Official Rules 2026-2027, Rule 84.1.