How Long Are Hockey Overtime Periods

The length of hockey overtime periods can vary depending on the league and the level of play. Here are 5 supporting facts:
1. The National Hockey League (NHL) has a regular season overtime period that lasts for 5 minutes.
2. If the game is still tied after the 5-minute overtime, the NHL implements a shootout to determine the winner.
3. In playoff games, NHL overtime periods are also 20 minutes long.
4. International ice hockey follows similar rules to the NHL, with overtime periods typically lasting 5 minutes in regular-season games.
5. In the Olympics and IIHF World Championships, however, the overtime periods are 10 minutes long before proceeding to a shootout.

Here are 7 detailed FAQs and their answers regarding the length of hockey overtime periods:

1. What happens if the score is tied after the regular season overtime?
– In the NHL, if the score is still tied after the 5-minute overtime, a shootout takes place to determine the winner.

2. Can teams score more than once in overtime?
– Yes, there have been instances where teams have scored multiple goals in overtime to win the game.

3. Do the teams change ends in overtime?
– Yes, at the end of regulation time and before the start of overtime, the teams switch ends to account for any potential ice surface advantages.

4. What happens if a team takes a penalty during overtime?
– In the NHL, if a team takes a penalty during overtime, there will be a power play for the opposing team, creating a 4-on-3 or 3-on-2 advantage.

5. Is there a break between the end of regulation time and the start of overtime?
– Yes, there is usually a short break for both teams to regroup and strategize before the start of overtime.

6. Can a team lose in overtime without allowing a goal?
– Yes, if a team takes a penalty and the opposing team scores on the resulting power play, the game can end in favor of the team on the power play.

7. What happens if the score is still tied after the overtime period in playoff games?
– In the NHL playoffs and other post-season matches, additional 20-minute overtime periods are played until a team scores and wins the game.

BOTTOM LINE: The length of hockey overtime periods can range from 5 minutes to 20 minutes, depending on the league and the type of game. Shootouts may also be employed to determine a winner if necessary.