NHL Overtime and Shootouts Explained

NHL games that are tied after three periods do not end in a draw. How the winner is decided depends on whether it is a regular-season or a playoff game.

Regular season: 3-on-3 overtime

A five-minute sudden-death overtime is played with three skaters per side. The first goal wins. Games decided this way are marked AOT on our scoreboards.

Regular season: the shootout

If overtime ends without a goal, the game goes to a shootout. Each team takes three shots, and if it is still level the shootout continues round by round until one team scores and the other does not. These games are marked AP.

Standings points

A win is worth two points whether it comes in regulation, overtime or a shootout. A team that loses in overtime or a shootout still earns one point.

Playoffs: full overtime periods

There are no shootouts in the playoffs. Teams play full 20-minute, five-on-five sudden-death periods until someone scores.

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