The simple reason that hockey leagues remove players from the ice in overtime is to create more chances. More space leads to more goals, and usually the game ends quicker in 3-on-3 than in 5-on-5. But ...

The NHL has been using 3-on-3 (changed from 4-on-4) in the regular season since 2015-16.

Just as in the NHL, if an Olympic game is tied after 60 minutes, there will be overtime and a possible shootout. But there are differences in rules.

Here's how overtime will work at the 2026 Winter Olympics gold medal game if teams are tied at the end of regulation.

Canada coach Jon Cooper said he's not using the 3-on-3 overtime as an excuse for loss but said there's a reason it isn't used in the NHL playoffs.