The clock winds down. The score is tied. The tension in the arena is electric. For hockey fans, there’s nothing quite like the heart-pounding excitement of overtime or the drama of a shootout. These moments showcase the sport at its most thrilling, giving players a chance to prove their mettle under pressure. But how exactly do overtime and shootouts work? Whether you’re new to hockey or a lifelong fan, it’s always worth understanding the finer points of these rules—and what makes them so exhilarating.
Overtime in the Regular Season
When a game remains tied after three periods of regulation play, it doesn’t stop there. Overtime kicks in, and the stakes rise. Unlike regulation time, overtime in hockey is sudden death, meaning the first team to score wins the game instantly. This format adds an extra layer of excitement as every shot, save, and defensive play carries higher stakes.
During the regular season, the NHL’s overtime period lasts five minutes and is played in a 3-on-3 format (excluding goaltenders). Why fewer players? The 3-on-3 format maximizes open ice, creating fast-paced, end-to-end action with opportunities for dramatic breakaways and slick puck-handling. It’s designed to produce results quickly—and it almost always does.
If neither team scores during the five-minute overtime, the game moves into a shootout, allowing teams to settle the score in one of hockey’s most electrifying scenarios.
Overtime in the Playoffs
While regular-season overtime sticks to five minutes and 3-on-3 play, the rules become even more intense in the playoffs. If a postseason game is tied after regulation, teams play 20-minute periods of 5-on-5 hockey until one side scores. There are no shootouts in the playoffs—only pure, sudden-death action that can carry on for multiple overtime periods. It’s grueling, it’s dramatic, and it’s one of the many reasons playoff hockey is such a spectacle.
The Shootout
Though not part of playoff hockey, shootouts are a fixture of the regular season and a favorite for fans. Once overtime concludes with no winner, the ice transforms from a team battleground into an individual showdown. Here’s how it works:
Each team selects three players to shoot one-on-one against the opposing goalie.
Teams alternate shooters, with the away team going first, and the team with the most goals after three rounds wins the game.
If the shootout is still tied after three rounds, it enters a sudden-death phase, where teams continue to send players in until one scores and the other doesn’t.
Shootouts put nerves, skill, and creativity on full display. It’s a test of goal-scoring precision for the shooter and ice-cold focus for the goalie. Fans hold their breath as players deke, spin, or slap the puck in wild attempts to outwit the opposing netminder.
Notable shootout goals, like a slick five-hole finish or an audacious between-the-legs move, often go viral, adding to the drama’s lasting impact. It’s hockey’s equivalent of a penalty kick in soccer, but arguably even more suspenseful.
Strategy in Overtime and Shootouts
Both overtime and shootouts offer unique strategic challenges for teams.
During 3-on-3 overtime, coaches strive to balance aggressive scoring attempts with defensive responsibility. With fewer players on the ice, a single mistake—such as an errant pass or poorly timed line change—can end the game in an instant. That’s why most teams favor skilled players—speedy skaters with great puck control—during the overtime period.
Shootouts demand an entirely different mindset. For shooters, it’s all about creativity and execution, whether they rely on quick releases, deceptive fakes, or spectacular trick shots. For goalies, staying patient is the key. Reading a shooter’s moves and reacting at the perfect moment can make all the difference, turning netminders into instant heroes.
The Drama of Sudden-Death Hockey
Overtime and shootouts embody the unpredictability of hockey. Every moment is a high-stakes gamble, where one mistake or moment of brilliance can define the outcome.
For players, the pressure is immense. For fans, the entertainment is unmatched. Every save, shot, and goal ignites a rollercoaster of emotions, and the unpredictability keeps everyone on the edge of their seats. Even those new to the sport can’t help but feel the gravitational pull of the game’s most intense moments.
Experience the Thrill with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
While watching highlights of an adrenaline-filled overtime goal or nail-biting shootout win can be exciting, there’s nothing quite like experiencing it live. The roar of the crowd, the buzz in the air, and the nervous energy as time runs out—it’s something every hockey fan should feel.
Come join the action and witness the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins battle it out on the ice. Whether it’s a last-gasp goal in overtime or a shootout move that leaves you speechless, you’ll leave the arena with stories to tell.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the heart-stopping moments of live hockey. Grab your tickets today and cheer on the Penguins as they take the ice, ready to deliver unforgettable action every game!
