Playoffs in ice hockey

The final round

In most ice hockey leagues, the table alone does not decide the champion. The regular season is followed by the playoffs. The best teams meet in series. The regular season determines who takes part and who has home-ice advantage: the higher-placed team usually plays the first and, if necessary, the last game of a series at home.

Best-of-seven

The classic format is called best-of-seven. Whoever wins four games first advances, so a series lasts four to seven games. In the NHL every round is played this way, and in the DEL and other European leagues the main playoff rounds are too. Shorter formats such as best-of-three or best-of-five exist in some leagues in early rounds.

Pre-playoffs

Some leagues, including the DEL, play pre-playoffs before the actual playoffs. The teams placed just behind the direct playoff spots compete for the last places in short series. This keeps the regular season exciting for more teams.

Overtime until a decision

There are no draws in the playoffs. If the score is tied after 60 minutes, overtime follows. In the NHL playoffs, full 20-minute periods are played five-on-five until a goal is scored. There is no shootout. Some games therefore go to several overtimes and end long after midnight. Other leagues have their own overtime rules, which can change over the years.

Why playoffs are different

Playoff hockey is considered harder and tighter. Teams play the same opponent several times in a row, and tactics and rivalry intensify from game to game. According to a widespread perception, referees let a bit more go. Goaltenders often become the decisive factor.

Traditions

• Playoff beard: many players don't shave during the playoffs until their team is eliminated or wins the title.
• Handshake line: after the last game of a series, all players from both teams shake hands, despite all the toughness before.
• White or uniform fan sections: in some cities, fans all wear the same colour during the playoffs.

Playoffs in Europe

In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, champions are decided via playoffs, as they are in Sweden and Finland. Some leagues also have relegation rounds or relegation series played under similar rules.