What Is a Shootout in Ice Hockey?

IHM Knowledge Center

What Is a Shootout in Ice Hockey?

What is a shootout, and how is a winner decided after overtime?

Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: March 18, 2026

Short Answer

A shootout is a tie-breaking method where players take penalty shots to determine the winner after overtime.

Full Explanation

If a game remains tied after overtime in the regular season, it proceeds to a shootout.

Each team selects players to take alternating shots against the opposing goaltender. The team with more goals after the initial rounds wins.

If the score remains tied, the shootout continues in a sudden death format until one team scores and the other does not.

Shootouts are not used in playoff games, where overtime continues until a goal is scored.

Why Shootouts Exist

Shootouts provide a fast and exciting way to determine a winner when time-limited overtime does not resolve the game.

Key Takeaways

  • Shootouts happen after overtime if the game is still tied.
  • Players take penalty shots one-on-one against the goalie.
  • It uses a structured and then sudden death format.
  • Not used in playoff games.