Answer:In the playoffs, the length of overtime in hockey can vary based on a few factors. Here are five supporting facts to better understand the duration of overtime in playoff hockey:
1. Regulation Time: In the NHL playoffs, regulation time consists of three 20-minute periods, making a total of 60 minutes of playing time.
2. Three Overtime Periods: If the game is tied after regulation, the first overtime period begins, and it also consists of 20 minutes of playing time. If no team scores within the first overtime period, subsequent 20-minute periods are played until a team scores and wins the game.
3. Intermissions: The intermissions between consecutive overtime periods are of shorter duration compared to regular intermissions. They typically last around 15 minutes as opposed to the usual 17-minute intermissions.
4. Ice Maintenance: During these shorter intermissions, the ice is resurfaced to ensure its quality for players during the overtime periods.
5. Continuous Overtime: Unlike in the regular season, there are no shootouts to decide games in the playoffs. Overtime periods are played continuously until a goal is scored, making it possible for games to extend well beyond the usual 60 minutes of regulation time.
FAQs:
1. How long can a playoff game last in overtime?
– Playoff games can vary in length, but the longest playoff game in NHL history lasted a staggering six overtime periods, totaling nearly 150 minutes of extra play time.
2. What happens if a playoff game is still tied after three overtime periods?
– If the game remains tied after three overtime periods, the subsequent overtime periods continue until a team finally scores a goal and wins the game.
3. Is there a limit to the number of overtime periods in playoff hockey?
– No, there is no predetermined number of overtime periods. The game continues until a goal is scored and a team wins. In theory, a playoff game could go on indefinitely if neither team manages to score.
4. Will the ice be resurfaced after every overtime period?
– Yes, the ice is typically resurfaced during the intermissions between consecutive overtime periods to provide the best possible playing conditions.
5. Are teams allowed to make lineup changes during overtime in the playoffs?
– Yes, teams can make player substitutions and lineup changes during overtime in the playoffs, following the same rules as in regulation time.
6. Can a team still win the series if they lose a playoff game in overtime?
– Yes, the winner of a playoff game in overtime only gains one additional victory. The series continues until one team wins the required number of games to win the series.
7. How often do playoff games go to overtime?
– Overtime games are relatively common in playoff hockey, with around 20% of playoff games typically extending past regulation time.
BOTTOM LINE:
In playoff hockey, overtime periods continue until a team scores and wins the game, with no limit to the number of periods. The length of overtime can vary, but each period lasts 20 minutes, with shorter intermissions for ice maintenance. Teams can make lineup changes, and the ice is resurfaced between overtime periods. Overtime games are relatively common in the playoffs, and in exceptional cases, they can last significantly longer, adding to the drama and excitement of postseason hockey.
