The overtime story lines are legendary. That works out to almost three full games. Red Wings goaltender Norm Smith made 90 saves in that game to preserve a 1-0 shutout. Trainers gave players sugar and honey between periods to increase their energy. Even people at the other sports admit that confidentially.
Overtime is a unique facet of that.
The idea of the unheralded overtime goal scorer is a staple in hockey lore. Detroit's Steve Yzerman has only one playoff OT goal in his 17-year NHL career. Fatigue and dehydration are key factors in overtime. Top NHL defensemen average 30 minutes in the playoffs. You always seem more tired when you lose.