Answer:The length of overtime in hockey varies depending on the league and level of play. However, here are five general facts about the length of overtime in hockey:
1. National Hockey League (NHL): In the NHL, regular season games that end in a tie after three periods of play proceed to a five-minute sudden-death overtime period. If neither team scores during this period, the game goes to a shootout to determine the winner.
2. International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF): The IIHF also follows a similar format to the NHL, with a five-minute sudden-death overtime period in regular season games. If the game remains tied after overtime, it goes to a shootout.
3. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA): In NCAA hockey, the length of overtime varies depending on the level of play. Men’s Division I and III games have a five-minute sudden-death overtime period, while men’s Division II games do not have an overtime period in the regular season. If the game is still tied after overtime in NCAA hockey, it ends in a tie.
4. American Hockey League (AHL): The AHL, which serves as the primary developmental league for the NHL, follows a similar format to the NHL. Regular season AHL games that end in a tie after three periods of play proceed to a seven-minute sudden-death overtime period. If the game remains tied after overtime, it goes to a shootout.
5. Minor and amateur leagues: The length of overtime in minor and amateur hockey leagues can vary. Some leagues may follow the same format as the NHL or AHL, while others may have different rules or omit overtime periods altogether, resulting in a tie game.
FAQs:
1. Does overtime in the NHL differ in the playoffs?
Yes, in NHL playoff games, overtime periods are not limited to a five-minute sudden-death format. Instead, teams play full 20-minute periods until a goal is scored. This process continues until there is a winner, and there are no shootouts in NHL playoff games.
2. What is the purpose of sudden-death overtime?
Sudden-death overtime is used to determine a winner in tied games, providing an opportunity for both teams to score a goal and avoid the game ending in a tie.
3. Do teams play with fewer players during overtime?
No, teams continue to play with the same number of players during overtime as they do during regulation time. In most cases, each team has five skaters and one goaltender on the ice during overtime.
4. Can goaltenders be replaced during overtime?
Yes, goaltenders can be replaced during overtime just like during regulation time. Teams may choose to substitute their goaltender in certain situations, depending on the coach’s strategy.
5. Are there any restrictions on the number of shots or substitutions in overtime?
No, there are no specific limitations on the number of shots or substitutions allowed during overtime. Teams can continue to make line changes and take shots on goal until there is a winner.
6. Can a team score a goal directly from a faceoff during overtime?
Yes, a team can score a goal directly from a faceoff during overtime. However, it is relatively rare, as faceoffs are usually contested and require players to gain possession before shooting.
7. Can teams use the same players in a shootout as they did during overtime?
Yes, teams can select any eligible player to participate in a shootout, regardless of whether they were on the ice during overtime. Coaches typically consider player skills and performance when deciding who participates in a shootout.
BOTTOM LINE:
The length of overtime in hockey depends on the league and level of play, with most leagues using a five-minute sudden-death period followed by a shootout if necessary. In the NHL playoffs, teams play full 20-minute overtime periods until there is a winner. Minor and amateur leagues may have different rules, and some games may end in a tie after overtime.
