In professional sports, few moments match the intensity of sudden-death overtime in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Unlike regular-season games or other North American leagues' postseasons, NHL playoff overtimes introduce a unique twist that keeps fans on edge. After regulation ends in a tie, teams engage in 20-minute periods separated by intermissions until one scores to clinch victory. This system, distinct from the three-on-three format used during regular-season overtimes, eliminates shootouts and ensures every game has a definitive winner.

During NHL playoff games, when regulation concludes without determining a winner, the action continues with five-on-five play in 20-minute segments interspersed with 15-minute breaks. These pauses allow players to recover while the ice is resurfaced. Notably, faceoffs always start at center ice, penalties carry over into subsequent periods, and home teams enjoy specific advantages like "last change" before each faceoff. Historical records highlight memorable instances of prolonged contests, such as Detroit Red Wings' dramatic triumph against Montreal Maroons in six overtimes back in 1936.

Furthermore, some notable distinctions set playoff overtimes apart. For instance, no television timeouts occur, and unlike regular-season rules, there's no recourse to penalty shootouts. Instead, the relentless pursuit for the next goal defines these nail-biting encounters. Interestingly, Game 4 of the 1919 Stanley Cup Final marked an exception where exhaustion led officials to call off further play after two overtimes ended scoreless between Seattle Metropolitans and Montreal Canadiens.

Among history’s longest playoff games, several stand out due to their extraordinary duration. In 1936, Detroit Red Wings emerged victorious after an astonishing sixth overtime period lasting over 116 minutes. Similarly, Alec Martinez's double-overtime goal secured Los Angeles Kings' championship title in 2014, illustrating how pivotal sudden-death scenarios can shape legacy-defining moments.

Looking ahead, the allure of sudden-death overtime remains undiminished. The 2024 playoffs featured 16 such thrilling encounters, underscoring its enduring appeal. Whether through marathon-length battles or swift resolutions, this aspect of the Stanley Cup playoffs continues to captivate audiences worldwide, reinforcing why hockey stands alone in delivering unforgettable drama under pressure.