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 the first team to score declared the winner and awarded an additional point. Overtime is played three skaters and one goalkeeper per side, after the ice is shovelled. Teams change ends and defend the same end zone as in the second period.

• A team may pull its goalkeeper for an extra attacker in overtime, but if it loses the game while the goalkeeper is off, it forfeits the point gained at the end of regulation (unless the goalkeeper was removed on a delayed penalty against the other team).
• Penalties are handled by adjusting strength: a team penalized in overtime plays 4 on 3, and at no time does a team have fewer than three players on the ice.
• If it is still tied after the five minutes, the game goes to a shootout.

Source: PWHL Official Rulebook 2025-26, Rules 86.1 to 86.3.