Overtime and Shootout Structure Across All Stages Round‑robin games employ a five‑minute 3‑on‑3 overtime followed by a shootout that must include at least five shooters, mirroring NHL practice while extending the shootout length[1][2]. In the knockout phase, the overtime period lengthens to ten minutes of sudden‑death 3‑on‑3 before the same five‑shooter shootout is used[2]. The gold‑medal final will use continuous sudden‑death 3‑on‑3 overtime until a goal is scored, aligning the championship with current NHL overtime rules[1][2].

Three Quarterfinals Decided in Overtime Canada defeated Czechia 82 seconds into 3‑on‑3 overtime, marking the fastest quarterfinal finish[1][2]. Finland required just over three minutes of overtime to overcome Switzerland, while the United States answered a late third‑period goal with Quinn Hughes scoring the winning overtime marker[1][2]. All three matches occurred during Wednesday’s quarterfinal round, highlighting the impact of the new overtime format[1][2].

U.S. Staff Prepared for New Formats With Video Sessions Head coach Mike Sullivan explained that his coaching team reviewed overtime scenarios in a video session before the tournament began, anticipating the rule changes[1][2]. Forward Tom Wilson added that the specific format—whether 5‑on‑5 or 3‑on‑3—does not alter his commitment to win, underscoring player adaptation to the revised rules[2]. Both comments illustrate the United States’ proactive approach to the evolving overtime and shootout structure[1][2].

Shootout Minimum Expanded to Five Shooters Olympic shootouts now require a minimum of five shooters, unlike the NHL’s three‑shooter format, applying to both round‑robin and knockout stages[1][2]. The article references historic shootouts such as T.J. Oshie’s 2014 victory over Russia and Dominik Hasek’s 1998 heroics, using them as benchmarks for the longer, more decisive shootout era[1].