When the score is tied after three periods, the game goes to overtime. This five-minute period is a sudden death situation, with the first team to score being declared the victor. During this time, each team has three skaters on the ice and the tension and suspense of the match increases as teams go up and down the ice with scoring opportunities at both ends. In regular season NHL games, the overtime period is five minutes long and three against three.
If neither team scores during this time, the game goes to a penalty shootout. Each team has three chances to face off one-on-one against the goalkeeper. If the score remains unchanged after three rounds of the penalty shootout, then the next goal scored will determine the winner. In All-Star skill competitions, such as those in the NHL and AHL, the competition ends in a penalty shootout known as the Breakaway Relay. When it comes to Canadian hockey games, overtime is an exciting and intense period of play.
It's a sudden death situation where teams have five minutes to score a goal and win the game. If neither team scores during this time, then a penalty shootout will decide who takes home the victory. The Breakaway Relay is used in All-Star skill competitions to determine a winner if no one scores during overtime. Overtime periods are an important part of Canadian hockey games. They add excitement and suspense to every match and can be a deciding factor in who takes home the win.
Knowing how long an overtime period is and what happens if no one scores can help you better understand and appreciate this thrilling part of hockey.
