NHL playoff games are decided after twenty overtime minutes. In overtime plays due to a tie, the extra period will be set at 20 minutes. Only five skaters from each team are permitted on the ice when regular play ends in a tie. If the score is unchanged at the end of the first overtime, games will continue until there’s a winner. In other words, if you ever ask yourself, “How Long Are Hockey Games?” If regulation time doesn’t name a victor, more minutes can be played.