Hockey Overtime is not sudden death. Here are 5 supporting facts:
1. Format: In NHL and most professional hockey leagues, overtime consists of a 5-minute period played with 3-on-3 skaters format.
2. Objective: The goal of overtime is to determine a winner in case the game ends in a tie after regulation time.
3. If no goal scored: If no team manages to score during the 5-minute overtime period, the game proceeds to a shootout to determine the winner.
4. Sudden death in shootout: The shootout is a sudden death format where each team selects shooters to take penalty shots until one team scores and the other fails to match it.
5. Overtime rules in playoffs: In NHL playoffs, the overtime period is extended to 20 minutes with the same 3-on-3 skaters format. The game continues until a goal is scored, with no shootout option.
FAQs:
1. What is sudden death in hockey?
In sudden death scenarios, the game ends instantly when a team scores a goal in overtime.
2. Why is hockey overtime not sudden death?
Hockey overtime is not sudden death because it consists of a designated time period in which a goal can be scored. If no goal is scored, the game proceeds to a shootout.
3. How long is hockey overtime?
In most professional hockey leagues, including the NHL, hockey overtime is 5 minutes long.
4. Can a team win in hockey overtime without scoring a goal?
No, if no team scores a goal during the 5-minute overtime period, the game proceeds to a shootout to determine the winner.
5. Are there any rule differences in overtime during the playoffs?
Yes, in NHL playoffs, the overtime period is extended to 20 minutes, and the game continues until a goal is scored, with no shootout option.
6. How many skaters are on the ice during hockey overtime?
During hockey overtime, there are only 3 skaters per team on the ice, creating more open space and scoring opportunities.
7. When was the three-on-three format for hockey overtime introduced?
The three-on-three format for hockey overtime was introduced in the NHL before the 2015-2016 season to increase excitement and reduce the number of games decided by a shootout.
BOTTOM LINE:
Hockey overtime is not sudden death but rather a designated period to determine a winner in case of a tie after regulation time. The NHL and most professional leagues use a 5-minute 3-on-3 skaters format, followed by a shootout if no goal is scored. In playoffs, the overtime period is extended to 20 minutes, with no shootout option. Overall, hockey overtime adds an extra layer of excitement and suspense to the game.
