NHL playoff overtime rules: Postseason hockey bracket changes OT format

The 2026 NHL playoffs mean true overtime hockey is back. Three-on-three play and shootouts are out and there could be some very long games.
National Hockey League

NHL Playoffs Buzz: Western 1st Round matchups will be finalized

This is the last day of the NHL regular season. All 16 playoff spots have been filled and all four matchups in the Eastern Conference First Round have been determined. Teams are still jockeying for positioning in the Pacific Division, and two of the four matchups in the Western Conference First Round are up in the air.

NHL playoffs start with a bang as Team USA star Brady Tkachuk drops gloves at opening faceoff

Brady Tkachuk and Jordan Staal fought seconds into the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs after the Ottawa Senators and Carolina Hurricanes captains dropped gloves immediately.

NHL Playoffs: Breaking Down Hurricanes Shocking Game 1 Shutout Win Over Senators

In sixty minutes, the Carolina Hurricanes answered the bell for a fight, paved the way with depth scoring, landed hits when the moment called for it (and even when it didn’t), and achieved a shutout in Game 1 of the first round against the Ottawa Senators, as they secured a 2-0 win.

Golden Knights and Mammoth surge into 1st-round meeting as the NHL playoffs reset the stakes

The Vegas Golden Knights and Utah Mammoth enter their first-round NHL playoff matchup with strong recent performances. Vegas is the Pacific Division champion.