5 Minute Rule

I could write the same article at the same time every year.  I had planned on opening this with a recap of the opening night playoffs in the AHL when I saw both games ended 3-2 in overtime I steered this into a different direction.

I have a rule.  The majority of hockey playoff games that head to overtime will end in the first five minutes of a period.  I have been saying this for years.  Now here is where I hopefully insert some figures to back my assessment since I have not researched it this season aside from the two AHL games last night.

We can start with those since I already know what happened.  Springfield defeated Providence just over two minutes into overtime.  One for one.  Texas defeated Oklahoma City at the 5:35 mark of overtime.  35 seconds after is still after so can't count it.  AHL is one for two which I believe is 50%.

Onto the NHL.  The numbers unfortunately are not supporting my theory.  Yet.  3 of the 9 games that have gone to overtime this playoff season have ended in the first five minutes of the period.  Two other ended before the six minute mark was hit.  Again, we can't count those though I feel comfortable moving forward that the numbers will move in my favor.

The ECHL hasn't had nearly as many this season.  Up until today 1 of the 3 games ended under the five minute mark.  Maybe the numbers are trying to tell me something.  Like maybe the actual number is closer to 33%.  Or maybe it ends up closer to the 25% mark which would apparently make a lot of sense.

In any event I am sticking with this idea.  A running tracker will now be up on the right side of the screen to follow the professional leagues for the rest of the playoffs.  It will prove me right or wrong.



And now for your barbaric pleasure.  Darnell Nurse finished out his OHL season and quickly reported to the Edmonton Oiler affiliate in Oklahoma City.  Last night he played in his very first professional playoff game, earning an assist and his very first fight.  Nurse was picked with the 7th overall pick by Edmonton in 2013 in hopes of shoring up the defense.