Discover The Average NHL Game Length

Have you ever wondered how long a typical NHL game lasts? The answer may surprise you, as there are a variety of factors that can influence the length of a game. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key factors that can impact game length and take a look at whether or not NHL game lengths have changed over time.

At its core, a regulation NHL game consists of three periods, each lasting 20 minutes. However, there are a number of variables that can add to this total game time, including time spent in penalties, injuries, and intermissions.

If you’re a fan of the NHL, or just curious about the sport, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the average length of an NHL game and how it can vary depending on different factors.

How long does a typical NHL game last?

The length of a typical NHL game can vary depending on a number of factors. At its core, a regulation game consists of three periods, each lasting 20 minutes for a total of 60 minutes of game time. However, there are a number of variables that can add to this total game time, such as overtime, penalties, and intermissions.

One of the biggest factors that can impact the length of an NHL game is the occurrence of overtime. If the game is tied after three periods, an additional overtime period will be added, which lasts for a maximum of 5 minutes. If no team scores during overtime, the game will proceed to a shootout, which can take an additional few minutes.

Another factor that can contribute to the length of an NHL game is the number of penalties that are assessed during play. When a penalty is called, the clock is temporarily stopped, and play resumes once the penalty has been served. Depending on the number and duration of penalties assessed during a game, this can add several minutes to the total game time.

In addition to overtime and penalties, intermissions also play a role in the length of an NHL game. There are two intermissions during a typical NHL game, each lasting 18 minutes. This time allows players to rest and recover, while also giving fans a chance to grab a snack or use the restroom.

Overall, while a typical NHL game lasts for 60 minutes of regulation play, there are a variety of factors that can impact the length of a game, including overtime, penalties, and intermissions. So the next time you tune in to watch your favorite team play, keep in mind that the total game time may be longer than you expect!

Regulation Time

1. Average time: A typical NHL game lasts around 2 hours and 15 minutes, including regulation time and intermissions.

2. 60-minute playtime: Regulation time consists of three 20-minute periods, making up 60 minutes of total gameplay.

3. Stoppage time: However, the game clock often stops due to penalties, goals, and timeouts, which can extend the actual time of the game.

4. Tied score: If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, the game proceeds to a 5-minute overtime period, and if still tied, a shootout decides the winner.

In summary, regulation time in a typical NHL game consists of three 20-minute periods, with an average game time of 2 hours and 15 minutes, and the possibility of overtime and shootout periods if the game remains tied. However, the actual time of the game can vary due to various factors, as discussed in the following sections.

Overtime and Shootouts

While the majority of NHL games are decided in regulation, there are times when extra time is needed to determine a winner. In the regular season, if the game is tied after three periods, a sudden-death overtime period of five minutes is played. This means the first team to score wins the game. If no one scores during the overtime period, the game goes to a shootout. During a shootout, each team takes turns sending one player at a time to shoot against the opposing team’s goalie.

If the game is tied after the shootout, it goes down as a tie in the regular season. However, in the playoffs, the game continues with 20-minute sudden-death overtime periods until a team scores, and the game ends. This can lead to some incredibly long games, as playoff games have been known to go on for multiple overtime periods.

The addition of the shootout in the regular season has helped to keep games from dragging on too long. Before the shootout was introduced in 2005, games could end in a tie. This meant that some games could potentially go on indefinitely, as both teams tried to score the game-winning goal. The shootout provides an exciting and decisive end to games that would have otherwise ended in a tie.

What factors can influence the length of an NHL game?

Penalties: The more penalties there are, the longer the game will take. When a team takes a penalty, the other team goes on the power play and the game slows down as the penalized team tries to kill off the penalty.

Stoppage of play: When the puck goes out of play or there’s an icing call, play stops and the clock is paused. The more stoppages there are, the longer the game will take.

Television timeouts: During the regular season, there are scheduled television timeouts. These are typically two 30-second commercial breaks per period, which can add up to an additional four minutes of stoppage time per game.

Fighting: While it’s not as common as it once was, fighting can still occur in NHL games. When a fight breaks out, the game is stopped and players must serve a five-minute major penalty.

Overtime and Shootouts: If the game is tied at the end of regulation, it will go into overtime. If no one scores in overtime, the game goes into a shootout. Overtime and shootouts can add anywhere from five to 20 minutes to the length of the game.

Penalties and Power Plays

Penalties: Penalties are a major factor in determining the length of an NHL game. When a player commits a penalty, the game clock stops, and the team with the power play gets a chance to score. Penalties can be as short as two minutes or as long as five minutes, depending on the severity of the infraction.

Power Plays: Power plays occur when one team has more players on the ice due to a penalty committed by the other team. During this time, the team with the power play has an advantage and may be able to score more easily. If the team with the power play scores a goal, the penalty time is reduced by the length of the goal.

Delay of Game: Another type of penalty that can influence the length of a game is a delay of game penalty. This occurs when a player or team intentionally delays the game, such as by knocking the puck out of play or purposely delaying a faceoff.

Referee Calls: Referee calls can also play a role in the length of an NHL game. If there are many penalties or if a referee takes a long time to review a play, this can lead to stoppages in play and a longer game.

Overtime: If a game is tied at the end of regulation time, the game will go into overtime, which can further lengthen the game. During overtime, the first team to score wins the game. If neither team scores, the game will go into a shootout, where each team has three chances to score.

Injuries and Timeouts

Injuries: Injuries can also have an impact on the length of an NHL game. When a player is injured, the game clock is stopped until the player is off the ice and medical personnel have attended to them. This can add a few extra minutes to the game time, especially if the injury is serious and requires more attention.

Timeouts: Each team is allowed one timeout per game, which can last up to one minute. Coaches will often use this timeout to give their players a chance to rest, regroup, and discuss strategy. This break in play can add a few extra minutes to the length of the game.

TV Commercial Breaks: During TV broadcasts, there are scheduled commercial breaks that can add to the length of the game. These breaks typically occur after a goal is scored, after an icing call, or at the end of a period.

Game Stoppages: Game stoppages such as reviews for goals, goalie interference, or offside calls can also impact the length of the game. These stoppages can take time, especially if the call is being reviewed by the officials.

Clock Management: Teams may also use clock management strategies to their advantage, such as intentionally icing the puck or taking penalties to kill time. This can add to the overall length of the game.

How many periods are in an NHL game?

The National Hockey League (NHL) consists of three periods, each lasting 20 minutes. In total, this means that there is 60 minutes of regulation play time in a typical NHL game.

If the game is tied at the end of regulation, the game proceeds to overtime, which is an additional period of 5 minutes. If the game is still tied after the overtime period, a shootout is used to determine the winner.

It’s important to note that the number of periods and their length can vary in different leagues and levels of hockey. For example, some youth leagues may have shorter periods or fewer periods than the NHL.

Three Periods

Standard Game: An NHL game is typically divided into three 20-minute periods, separated by two intermissions of 17 minutes each. Teams switch ends of the ice after the first and second periods, allowing each team to play an equal amount of time in each zone.

Exceptions: While three periods is the standard, there are some exceptions. Preseason games may have fewer periods, and international games may have more. In the event of certain circumstances, such as a power outage, a game may be shortened or even postponed, leading to an unusual number of periods.

Overtime: If a game is tied at the end of regulation, a sudden-death overtime period is played, with the first team to score winning the game. If no one scores during the overtime period, the game is decided by a shootout. These overtime and shootout periods are considered part of the same game and are not considered additional periods.

What is the length of each period in an NHL game?

The length of each period in an NHL game is 20 minutes of playing time.

However, there are TV timeouts and other stoppages of play that can add time to the game.

During the regular season, the NHL mandates that each game must be completed within a two-and-a-half-hour time slot.

So, while the actual playing time for each period is 20 minutes, the length of the period can be extended by stoppages in play, and the overall length of the game is limited by the NHL’s time slot rules.

20 Minutes

Each period in an NHL game lasts 20 minutes. This is standard across all regular season and playoff games.

The intermission between periods is typically 15 minutes long. During this time, the ice is resurfaced, players rest and strategize with their coaches, and fans can grab a snack or use the restroom.

Referees can add time to the end of a period if there have been stoppages in play or if a team has taken a timeout. This is called “stop time” and is used to ensure that each period has a full 20 minutes of play.

In overtime, the period is shortened to 5 minutes and is played with fewer players on the ice. If no team scores during this time, a shootout may occur to determine the winner.

How long are the intermissions during an NHL game?

Intermission Length: One of the best things about watching an NHL game is the fast-paced action, but even the most die-hard fans need a break once in a while. Intermissions give players a chance to rest, coaches a chance to strategize, and fans a chance to stretch their legs and grab some refreshments.

Length of Breaks: During the regular season, intermissions in NHL games are typically 17 minutes long. This gives players enough time to regroup and recharge between periods. However, intermissions during playoff games can be longer, sometimes as long as 20 minutes.

What Happens During Intermissions: During intermissions, the Zamboni resurfaces the ice to make sure it is smooth and safe for the players. The teams also switch ends of the rink to even out any advantage one team may have had due to factors like wind or lighting. Fans are often treated to entertainment like music, games, or even mascot races.

Importance of Intermissions: Intermissions are an important part of an NHL game, not only for the players but also for the fans. They provide a chance to rest and recharge, but also give fans a chance to enjoy the atmosphere of the game and interact with other fans.

First and Second Intermission

During an NHL game, there are two intermissions, the first and second intermission. The length of the intermission is 18 minutes, and it occurs between the first and second period and the second and third period.

The first intermission gives the players a chance to rest and regroup after the first period. During this time, the ice is resurfaced, and the teams have a chance to make any necessary adjustments to their strategy.

The second intermission provides the players with a longer break to rest and refuel before the final period. During this time, the teams will often review video footage of the game to identify areas of weakness and make any necessary changes to their strategy.

Intermission During Overtime and Shootouts

• Intermissions during overtime and shootouts in hockey can be a nerve-wracking experience for players and fans alike.
• The game is tied, and everything is on the line. The players have given it their all during regulation time, and now they are facing additional periods of play to decide the winner.
• During intermission, players use the time to regroup and discuss strategies with their coaches. They hydrate, rest, and focus on the game ahead.
• For fans, the intermission can be a chance to grab a snack or a drink, stretch their legs, and socialize with other fans. It’s also an opportunity to catch their breath and prepare themselves mentally for the remainder of the game.
• Overall, intermissions during overtime and shootouts can be intense and emotional, but they also provide a crucial break for both players and fans to gather their thoughts and prepare for what’s to come.

While the intermission during overtime and shootouts can be a crucial break in the game, it’s important to remember that it’s also a brief pause in the action. Players and fans alike need to be ready to jump back into the game as soon as the intermission ends, as every second can make a difference in determining the outcome of the match.

For players, this means staying focused on the game plan, hydrating, and staying loose during the intermission. They need to be ready to hit the ice with the same level of intensity and energy that they had during regulation time.

For fans, it means staying engaged and mentally prepared for what’s to come. They need to be ready to cheer on their team and provide the energy and support that can make all the difference in a high-pressure situation.

Have NHL game lengths changed over time?

NHL game lengths have undergone several changes over the years, reflecting the evolution of the sport and the needs of players and fans.

From the early days of the NHL, games typically lasted 60 minutes, with three periods of equal length. This format remained largely unchanged until the 1940s, when the league introduced sudden-death overtime to settle ties.

In the 1980s, the NHL experimented with overtime shootouts as a way to increase excitement and provide a clear winner in tied games. This format was eventually adopted as a regular feature in the 2005-2006 season.

Today, NHL games typically last two and a half hours, including intermissions and stoppages. The length of games can vary depending on factors such as the number of penalties, stoppages in play, and overtime periods.

While some fans may prefer shorter games, the current format allows for plenty of exciting action and strategic play. It also ensures that players have adequate rest and recovery time between games, which is essential for their health and performance.

In summary, while the length and format of NHL games have evolved over time, the core principles of the sport have remained the same: teamwork, skill, and a commitment to excellence. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the game, there’s always something to appreciate and enjoy in the fast-paced world of professional hockey.

Rule Changes

The NHL has implemented several rule changes over the years to address safety concerns and improve the pace of the game. One significant change was the introduction of the two-line pass rule in 2005, which allowed players to pass the puck across two blue lines, thus increasing the speed of play. Another major rule change was the trapezoid behind the net, which restricted goaltenders from playing the puck in certain areas, and was introduced in 2005.

Other important changes included the elimination of the center red line in 1998, which helped to open up the neutral zone and allowed for more scoring opportunities. Additionally, the NHL has implemented rules to reduce physical play, such as penalties for hits to the head and boarding, and the introduction of the hybrid icing rule in 2013.

More recently, the NHL has implemented changes to improve video review, allowing for more accurate and timely calls on the ice. In the 2019-2020 season, the league introduced the coach’s challenge, which allows coaches to challenge certain calls made by officials on the ice.

Frequently Asked Questions