Longest overtime In NHL Playoffs is 6 Ots between Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Maroons. Mud Bruneteau scored the winning goal in the semifinals.
In the high-intensity world of NHL playoffs, the excitement and drama often reach unparalleled levels. The thrilling moment in the postseason is a long, nail-biting overtime period.
Among these intense encounters, one game stands out for its remarkable endurance and tenacity.
The clash pushed players to their physical limits and tested their mental resilience. Join us as we dive into the record for the most overtime in NHL playoffs and relive the unforgettable struggle between two teams determined to emerge triumphant.
Longest Overtime in Hockey Playoffs History
The longest overtime in hockey playoffs was during the 1936 NHL semifinal match between Detroit and Montreal.
Likewise, on May 24, 2021, the Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets engaged in a thrilling contest that extended to three overtime periods, cementing their place among the longest games in the history of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
8. Toronto Vs. Detriot
- OT - 70 minutes 18 seconds
- Date - March 23, 1943
- Round - Semifinals
- Scorer - Jack McLean
7. Vancouver Vs. Dallas
- OT - 78 minutes 6 seconds
- Date - April 11, 2007
- Round - Conference quarterfinal
- Scorer - Henrik Sedin
6. Pittsburgh Vs. Washington
- OT - 79 minutes 15 seconds
- Date - April 24, 1996
- Round - Conference quarterfinal
- Scorer - Petr Nedved
5. Anaheim Vs. Dallas
- OT - 80 minutes 48 seconds
- Date - April 24, 2003
- Round - Conference Semifinal
- Scorer - Petr Sykora
4. Tampa Bay Vs. Columbus
- OT - 90 minutes 20 seconds
- Date - August 11, 2020
- Round - Eastern Conference
- Scorer - Brayden Point
3. Philadelphia Vs. Pittsburgh
- OT - 92 minutes 1 second
- Date - May 4, 2000 -
- Round - Conference Semifinal
- Scorer - Keith Primeau
2. Toronto Vs. Boston
- OT - 104 minutes 46 seconds
- Date - April 3, 1933
- Round - Semifinal
- Scorer - Ken Doraty
1. Detriot vs. Montreal Maroons
- OT - 116 minutes 30 seconds
- Date - March 24, 1936
- Round - Semifinal
- Scorer - Mud Bruneteau
Overtime Rules for Hockey
Overtime is an extra period played after regulation time ends in a tie. The purpose of overtime is to determine a winner.
OT periods in hockey typically have a shorter duration than regular game time. The specific length can vary depending on the league. Still, a common feature is adopting a sudden-death format, whereby the first team to score during overtime secures victory.
To increase the scoring chances, overtime is often played with fewer skaters on the ice. The widely used format is 3-on-3, where each team has three skaters alongside their goaltender. Before the start of overtime, a brief intermission is usually granted to allow teams to rest and devise strategies.
The game resumes with a faceoff at centre ice, with the team that wins the faceoff gaining initial possession of the puck.
If a team commits a penalty during overtime, the opposing team may receive a power play advantage, enabling them to have an additional skater on the ice. This can create a 4-on-3 or 5-on-3 situation, increasing the offensive potential for the team with the power play.
OTs In NHL Playoffs Games
- If the game is tied after the regular time, the teams will play a whole additional period of overtime that lasts for 20 minutes. Five players from each team will be on the ice during this period.
- Once again, the overtime period follows a sudden-death format, meaning that the first team to score a goal will be declared the winner of the game.
- The teams play five-on-five.
- There is no shootout in the NHL playoffs.
- If no team manages to score in the first overtime period, the game will proceed to a second overtime period and, if necessary, to a third, fourth, and so on until a team scores a goal to secure the victory.
How Many Overtimes In NHL Playoffs?
There is no limit to the number of overtime periods until a team successfully scores a goal in the NHL playoffs. The team that scores the first goal during overtime secures the victory.
On the other hand, during the regular season, if a game remnants tied after the five-minute overtime period, it proceeds to a shootout, where players take turns attempting to score against the opposing goaltender.
In the 2023 NHL playoffs' conference finals, a remarkable game occurred between the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers. This particular game stretched into four overtime periods before the Panthers finally scored a goal to emerge as the winners with a 3-2 scoreline.
Matthew Tkachuk proved the game's hero, netting the winning goal with a mere 12.7 seconds remaining in the fourth overtime period. This contest stands as one of the most extended games in NHL history.
Moreover, the Panthers performed remarkably in overtime games throughout the playoffs, maintaining an undefeated record of 4-0 in such matchups.
