Playoff NHL hockey postponed ??

Question

I know it has never happened that a OT playoff game was postponed, but would the NHL ever conseder doing it ? If not for the safety of the players, then for the safety of the refs ? Imagine the game goes into its 6th OT, that is the same as 3 games. That is a TON to be sweeting on the ice. Anyone think there is a time when, for safety reasons, the NHL would step in and say, "lets pick it up tommorrow" ? Or, will it always be next goal wins, no matter how long it takes ?

Answer 1

Rule 84.5 states "Overtime – Playoffs – In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, when a game is tied after three (3) twenty (20) minute regular periods of play, the teams shall take a normal intermission (fifteen (15) minutes) and resume playing twenty (20) minute periods, changing ends for the start of each  overtime period. The team scoring the first goal in

overtime shall be declared the winner of the game."

There is nothing about calling the game in the official rulebook, although I think the home office Toronto would consider it.

Answer 2

I recall one incident involving a power failure where the game was postponed and finished on another day.

Answer 3

I think they would stop eventually, but everyone is playing such c**p by then that a bad shot is bound to go in

Answer 4

In the original 1967 NHLPA-NHL CBA, there was a clause which stated that the players could play a maximum of 9 periods in one game without a prolonged break (3 periods + 6 OT periods).

I mentioned this in an answer a month or so ago.

As it turns out, this clause was removed/taken out/accidentally left out beginning with the 1982 CBA.  Nobody I've talked to seems to know why, or if it was intentional.

The situation has never happened, and while it is theoretically possible, no current documentation exists.

I've seen many games go into a 3rd or 4th overtime in my life, and I have to say.....................last night's was the sloppiest of them all.

Answer 5

I say play until a winner.Imagine they play 6 OTs and then postpone it till the next day and then alot of the players start cramping up and pulled muscles after playing 3 hours worth of gametime and then playing the next day.Then what about the fans?Do they come back and maybe the game lasts 20 seconds.Thats alot of lost work time or gas money for 20 seconds.

Whats the over/under on thumbs down for a person saying a shootout?

Answer 6

hey man , this is for the Stanley Cup.

no wimps allowed and no postponements. the season is long enough. they will be back in sept. plenty of time to rest 3 mo.

Answer 7

I heard recently that they would stop after 6 overtimes from a former player (Gerard Gallant).

Answer 8

Sombody is always going to have the will to win, or fresher legs that the others.

Answer 9

I believe the maximum amount of overtimes is 6.  After that they have to continue at a later date.  There is just a time when players can't skate anymore.