Overtime in NHL hockey is an exciting and intense period that occurs when the game is tied at the end of regulation time. Here are five key facts about how overtime works in NHL hockey:
1. Duration: Overtime in the NHL consists of a five-minute period of sudden death play. The team that scores a goal first during this period wins the game.
2. Player Strength: In regular-season games, teams play with three skaters-on-three skaters, creating a thrilling fast-paced style of play. This encourages offensive chances and quick breakaways. In the playoffs, teams play with a full five skaters-on-five skaters.
3. Shootouts: If no team scores during the five-minute sudden death overtime period, the game proceeds to a shootout. Each team selects three players to take penalty shots, and the team with the most goals wins the game.
4. Points Distribution: In NHL standings, a team that wins in regulation time earns two points, while the losing team earns no points. However, if the game goes to overtime or a shootout, the winning team receives two points, and the losing team receives one point.
5. Overtime Rules in Playoffs: During the NHL playoffs, overtime periods consist of 20-minute periods, with teams playing five-on-five hockey until a goal is scored. There is no shootout in playoff games, and teams continue playing until a decisive goal ends the game.
FAQs about Overtime in NHL Hockey:
1. How often do NHL games go to overtime?
– On average, about 23% of NHL games go to overtime.
2. Can a team score multiple goals in overtime?
– No, the game ends as soon as one team scores a goal in overtime.
3. How long does a shootout last if the game is still tied after three rounds?
– If the shootout is still tied after three rounds, it goes to a sudden death shootout, where teams continue taking shots until there is a winner.
4. Do goals scored in overtime count towards a player’s regular-season goal totals?
– Yes, any goals scored during overtime count towards a player’s regular-season goal totals.
5. Can teams make substitutions during an overtime period?
– Yes, teams can make player substitutions on the fly during overtime, similarly to regulation time.
6. How many players are on the ice during a shootout?
– In a shootout, it’s one shooter against the opposing team’s goalie. The other players are off the ice.
7. Are there any special rules when it comes to penalties during overtime?
– Yes, penalties are called in the same way as during regulation time. However, if a team is penalized during overtime, the opposing team gets a power play opportunity.
BOTTOM LINE:
Overtime in NHL hockey provides an exhilarating conclusion to tied games, with sudden death play and the potential for shootouts. The rules differ slightly between regular-season and playoff games, but they all add to the excitement and drama of the sport.
