Overtime (sport)

Overtime is an additional period of play specified under the rules of a sport in order to bring the game to a decision and avoid declaring the contest a tie or draw. The term is most often used in North America.

Ice Hockey

Main article: Overtime (hockey)

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In ice hockey, if the score is tied at the end of regulation play, certain leagues play overtime.

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• North American professional (regular season): An additional five-minute period is played. Each team plays with one fewer skater than usual (commonly known as "four on four"). A goal ends the game in sudden death; if neither team scores, the game is declared a tie. Some minor leagues determine a winner using a penalty-shot shootout. As of the 2005-2006 season, the National Hockey League will also use a shootout if the game remains tied after the overtime period.
• North American professional (post-season): Following an intermission, an additional full 20-minute period is played. Teams remain at full strength unless this is affected by penalties. A goal ends the game in sudden death; if neither team scores, another intermission is taken, followed by an additional overtime period. The teams change ends of the ice for each period.

As many as six overtime periods have been necessary to determine a winner in the NHL.

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