The NHL playoffs are known for parity, with almost nothing separating the participating teams.
That’s certainly the case in the following series, which had the most overtime goals in playoff history.
There were 66 years between the first occurrence of five overtime games and the most recent, and the Toronto Maple Leafs featured in two of three.
NHL Playoffs: Most Overtime Games In a Series
| Year | Matchup | Overtime Games |
| 1951 | Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens | 5 |
| 2012 | Coyotes vs. Blackhawks | 5 |
| 2017 | Capitals vs. Maple Leafs | 5 |
| 1933 | Maple Leafs vs. Bruins | 4 |
| 1939 | Bruins vs. Rangers | 4 |
| 1968 | Blues vs. North Stars | 4 |
| 1991 | Oilers vs. Kings | 4 |
| 1996 | Avalanche vs. Blackhawks | 4 |
| 1999 | Stars vs. Blues | 4 |
| 2001 | Stars vs. Oilers | 4 |
| 2008 | Stars vs. Sharks | 4 |
| 2012 | Capitals vs. Bruins | 4 |
| 2013 | Red Wings vs. Ducks | 4 |
| 2014 | Blackhawks vs. Blues | 4 |
| 2014 | Wild vs. Avalanche | 4 |
| 2017 | Senators vs. Bruins | 4 |
| 2018 | Capitals vs. Blue Jackets | 4 |
| 2021 | Hurricanes vs. Predators | 4 |
Fifteen playoff series featured four overtime games, tied for the second most.
Nine of those series came after 2000, and the Dallas Stars were involved in three in a row from 1999 to 2008, facing the St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, and San Jose Sharks, respectively.
They won all three series and culminated the 1999 playoffs with a Stanley Cup.
Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens – 5 OT Games (1951)
Every game of the 1951 Stanley Cup Final between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens went into overtime, the only time that has happened.
The Maple Leafs won the series 4-1, with their only defeat coming in Game 2. Four of the five games ended 3-2, while Game 3 finished 2-1.
It was long before the seven-game format was introduced.
Coyotes vs. Blackhawks – 5 OT Games (2012)
Five of the six first-round series games between the Chicago Blackhawks and Phoenix Coyotes went into overtime, with Phoenix winning three.
Mikkel Bødker scored consecutive winners in Games 3 and 4. Three of the five games ended 3-2, and the others 4-3 and 2-1. The Coyotes won the next game 4-0, finishing the series in six games.
Capitals vs. Maple Leafs – 5 OT Games (2017)
The Stanley Cup odds favourite at the BetMGM online sportsbook, the Washington Capitals, dispatched the Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2017 playoffs, winning three of five overtime games.
Game 4 was the only contest that didn’t go to overtime, which the Caps won 5-4. Four of the five overtime games ended in the first overtime period, and one went into double overtime.
Justin Williams scored two of the three overtime winners for the Caps, who lost in the next round to the Pittsburgh Penguins in seven games.
Who Scored the Most Overtime Goals in a Playoff Series?
The Boston Bruins’ Mel Hill scored three overtime goals against the New York Rangers in the first round of the 1939 playoffs.
The content provided in this blog is intended for entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are the authors and reflect their individual perspectives on sports, betting, and related topics. This content should not be considered professional betting advice or the official views of BetMGM LLC. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is experiencing issues related to gambling, seek help from a licensed health professional. This blog is not liable for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from betting activities.
