Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

What Are the Overtime Rules in Olympic Hockey?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Feb 5, 2026 3:00 PM ET

With NHL players returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2014, fans might assume the 2026 Games at Milan Cortina will follow familiar rules, while that's not entirely the case.

Particularly, when it comes to overtime in Olympic hockey, the format is unique to the international tournament, and it depends entirely on when the game is being played.

Every game begins with the same usual core structure. There are three 20-minute periods of 5-on-5 hockey with 15-minute intermissions between them. If the score is tied after regulation, however, international tournament rules kick in and they vary significantly from the NHL.

In the preliminary, group-stage round, tied games move into a sudden-death 5-minute overtime played at 3-on-3 strength. If a nation scores a goal, the game ends. If no goal is scored, the outcome is decided by a shootout.

Team Canada forward Nathan MacKinnon (29) skates during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game.Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Already in the shoutout, each team names five shooters to begin with. If the score remains tied after those five attempts per nation, any player may be used in any order after that, even repeatedly.

This is the same format that made T.J. Oshie a household name during the 2014 Games in Sochi, where he scored four times on six attempts to lead the United States past Russia in an extended shootout.

Everything to Know About Hockey at 2026 Olympics

The quarterfinal and semifinal rounds follow a slightly longer overtime format. It features ten minutes of 3-on-3 sudden-death hockey. If still tied after overtime, a shootout follows, using the same five-shooter system explained above to determine the winner.

Finally, rules also change for the medal games. For both the bronze and gold medal matchups, overtime consists of a full 20-minute sudden-death period played 3-on-3. If neither team scores, play continues into additional full overtime periods. There are no shootouts in those games.

Between each overtime, the ice is resurfaced, and a 15-minute intermission takes place. This format ensures that Olympic champions are crowned with a goal scored in live play rather than a shootout.

Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel (38) defends against Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) in overtime of the 4 Nations Face-Off.Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

These overtime rules apply equally to both the men’s and women’s tournaments, and regarding the former, with NHL stars back on the Olympic stage, having endless sudden-death periods in the medal games should provide fans with the most dramatic, best possible finish.

The men's hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina runs from Feb. 11 to Feb. 22, 2026. The women's tournament is scheduled for Feb. 5–19.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: