8. Overtime
In the NHL Playoffs, overtime is sudden death. If there is no score after 5 minutes of play, the game goes into a shootout.
Ron / Pexels / Sudden death - or penalty shootout - is considered to be the overtime in the NHL playoffs.
This means that the playoff games simply do not end unless one team scores a goal. Even if it is a direct shootout. Thus, the team with the most goals scored in the shootout will be declared the winner.
7. Tie-Breaker Formula
If two teams are tied for points at the end of regular season play, then tie-breaker formulas apply to determine which team will advance to the playoffs.
These formulas include:
- Head-to-head competition between teams
- Total wins and losses in regulation and over time
- Goal differentials
- Conference rankings.
Pixabay / Pexels / Unlike other sports, the NHL playoffs follow a unique formula - called the Tie-Breaker Formula.
Thus, the tournament makes a tally of the complete records of each team to come up with a final decision.
6. Divisional Playoff System
The divisional playoff system consists of four rounds beginning with the qualifying round, followed by the first, second, and finally the Conference Finals.
In each round, teams compete in a best-of-seven series. The team with the most wins advances to the next round of playoffs.
5. Home Ice Advantage
During rounds one and two of the NHL Playoffs, home-ice advantage is determined by regular season performance.
Ron / Pexels / Clubs with more points - during regular seasons - are in clear advantage over those who have fewer points.
The team with more points during regular season play will have a home-ice advantage for games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (if necessary).
4. Wild Card Teams
Next up: Wild card teams are those clubs that earned enough points to make it into the playoffs but did not finish first or second in their division at the end of regular season play.
These teams will compete with division leaders in the qualifying round of playoffs.
3. Re-Seeding
Once teams make it to the Conference Finals, they are re-seeded based on their playoff performance rather than regular season performance. This means that the team with the most wins during playoffs can have a home-ice advantage.
Even if their regular season record was not as successful as another team's.
2. Pause or Reschedule Games
When necessary due to weather delays, scheduling conflicts, or other unforeseen circumstances, games in the NHL Playoffs may be paused or rescheduled for a later date and time.
1. Stanley Cup Final Matchup Determined by Regular Season Points
The final round of the NHL Playoffs is a best-of-seven series between the two teams with the most points earned during regular season play. teams from each division are given automatic qualifications. The other two spots are filled by the nextThe team with more points will have a home-ice advantage for games 1, 2, 5, and 7.
These are 8 NHL Playoff Rules that you may not have known before. Each one is determined by different factors and can influence how each round of playoffs will be played out. Whether you're just starting to follow hockey or you've been an avid fan for years, understanding these rules can help you stay up-to-date on all things hockey!