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NHL outlines playoff overtime rules for 2026

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 2:19 AM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

NHL outlines playoff overtime rules for 2026

Summary

For the 2026 Stanley Cup Final, if teams are tied after regulation, they enter a 20-minute 5-on-5 overtime period. This format continues in subsequent overtime sessions until a goal is scored. This method emphasizes sudden death, where the first goal wins. The current rules differ significantly from regular-season overtimes, which use a 3-on-3 format followed by a shootout. The updated rules aim to enhance playoff drama as teams compete for the championship.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Playoffs use 5-on-5 overtime after regulation ends in a tie.
•Each overtime period lasts 20 minutes, continuing until a goal is scored.
•Regular-season overtimes differ with 3-on-3 play and shootouts.
•The sudden death format increases tension in playoff games.
•These rules were updated for the 2026 playoff season.

Latest Updates

2:19 AMYahoo Sports — NHL playoff overtime: Longest games, rules, 2026 OT results
11:30 PMYahoo Sports — What are the NHL overtime rules for the playoffs in 2026?

What they're saying

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Last year's Stanley Cup Final featured three overtime games. Will there be OT this year? Here are the rules, longest games and 2026 results.
— Yahoo Sports