Answer: Yes, NHL hockey overtime is sudden death. Here are five supporting facts:
1. Overtime Rules: In the NHL, when a game is tied at the end of regulation time, a sudden death overtime period follows. The first team to score a goal in overtime wins the game immediately.
2. Length of Overtime: During the regular season, NHL overtime consists of a five-minute period played with four skaters on each side. If no team scores within this timeframe, the game proceeds to a shootout to determine the winner. However, in the playoffs, teams play 20-minute sudden death overtime periods until a goal is scored.
3. Historical Sudden Death Overtime Goals: Sudden death overtime has produced many memorable moments in NHL history. One of the most famous goals came in the 1994 playoffs when the New York Rangers’ Stephane Matteau scored in double overtime to clinch the Eastern Conference Finals.
4. Importance of Overtime Wins: Winning in sudden death overtime can be crucial for a team’s playoff chances. The additional point gained from an overtime victory can make a significant difference in the final standings, particularly in a tight race for playoff spots.
5. Rule Changes: Over the years, the NHL has made some changes to the rules of overtime to increase the chances of ending the game during the extra period. For example, in the 2015-2016 season, they implemented a format where teams play three-on-three instead of the traditional five-on-five, which has led to more goals being scored in overtime.
FAQs:
1. How long is NHL overtime?
Answer: During the regular season, NHL overtime is a five-minute sudden death period. In the playoffs, overtime periods are 20 minutes long.
2. What happens if no team scores in NHL overtime?
Answer: If no team scores during the five-minute overtime period in the regular season, the game proceeds to a shootout. In the playoffs, teams continue to play 20-minute sudden death periods until a goal is scored.
3. Can a team score multiple goals in NHL overtime?
Answer: No, the game ends as soon as a team scores a goal in sudden death overtime, regardless of how many goals they scored during the regular game.
4. Does NHL overtime have intermissions?
Answer: There is a one-minute intermission between the end of regulation time and the start of sudden death overtime. However, there are no intermissions during overtime periods, except for the intermission between the first and second overtime in playoff games.
5. Can teams make substitutions during NHL overtime?
Answer: Yes, teams can make substitutions during NHL overtime, just like in regulation time. However, due to the fast pace and potential for quick scoring chances, shifts tend to be shorter to keep players fresh.
6. How common are shootouts in NHL regular-season games?
Answer: Shootouts are relatively common in NHL regular-season games, as they are used to determine a winner if no team scores in the five-minute overtime period. Roughly 20% of regular-season games end in a shootout.
7. Does NHL overtime have any impact on team statistics?
Answer: Yes, NHL overtime results can impact team statistics. A team receives an additional point in the standings for an overtime win, making it an important factor in playoff races and overall team performance.
Bottom Line: NHL hockey overtime is sudden death, with the first team to score a goal winning the game. The length of overtime differs between the regular season and playoffs, and shootouts are used if necessary during regular-season games. Sudden death overtime has provided many thrilling moments in NHL history, affecting the standings and playoff race.
