Answer: Overtime in NHL hockey consists of one five-minute period of play, following the completion of the regulation three periods. If no team scores during this period, the game proceeds to a shootout.
Supporting facts:
1. Overtime is played with a sudden-death format, meaning that the first team to score during the five-minute period wins the game.
2. Each team continues to play with five skaters, including one goaltender, during overtime.
3. Overtime rules differ during the regular season and playoffs, with the playoffs having multiple 20-minute sudden-death periods instead of a shootout.
4. If a game is tied at the end of regulation, the teams switch ends, and overtime begins immediately.
5. The team that wins in overtime gets awarded two points in the standings, while the losing team still receives one point.
FAQs:
Q1: How does overtime affect a team’s standing in the NHL?
A1: If a team wins the game during overtime, they receive two points in the standings. If a team loses in overtime, they receive one point.
Q2: Can teams make substitutions during overtime?
A2: Yes, teams can make substitutions during overtime, similar to regular game play.
Q3: What happens if a team is shorthanded during overtime due to a penalty?
A3: If a team is penalized during overtime, the opposing team gets a power play opportunity, allowing them to have an additional skater on the ice.
Q4: Has there ever been a game where no team scored during overtime?
A4: Yes, there have been games where no team scored during the five-minute overtime period, leading to a shootout to decide the winner.
Q5: How long can playoff overtime periods last?
A5: Playoff overtime periods can last indefinitely, with multiple 20-minute sudden-death periods being played until one team scores.
Q6: How many regular-season games go into overtime?
A6: The frequency of overtime games may vary each season, but in recent years, around 20% of regular-season games have gone into overtime.
Q7: Can a team clinch a playoff spot by winning in overtime?
A7: Winning in overtime helps teams earn points in the standings, which can contribute to them securing a playoff spot, although it may also depend on other factors.
BOTTOM LINE: Overtime in NHL hockey consists of a five-minute sudden-death period where the teams play with five skaters each. If no team scores, the game proceeds to a shootout. Winning in overtime earns a team two points in the standings, while a losing team still receives one point. Playoff overtime periods differ from the regular season, with multiple 20-minute sudden-death periods being played until a team scores.
