How Long Is An NHL Game? Find Out Now!

Have you ever found yourself watching an NHL game and wondering how long it lasts? It’s a question that many fans have asked themselves, especially those who are new to the sport or still learning about its rules. Fortunately, we’re here with the answer!

NHL games can vary in length depending on a number of factors. Some games may only last for two hours, while others could go on for three or more. The length of a game is influenced by everything from penalties to intermissions, and even overtime periods.

“The time has come for us to settle this once and for all: how long does an NHL game actually last?”

In this article, we’ll explore all the different components that make up an NHL game, and take a closer look at how each affects the overall length of play. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or someone who’s just starting out, there’s always something new to learn about this exciting sport. So sit back, grab your favorite team’s jersey, and let’s dive into the action!

Regulation NHL Games Last 60 Minutes

A regulation NHL game lasts for a total of 60 minutes. This time is divided into three periods, each of which lasts for 20 minutes. Between each period, there is an intermission that typically lasts for 15-18 minutes.

These are only the basic rules and can be subject to variances if required. The game clock will stop in certain situations such as when a penalty occurs or a goal is scored. It’s important to note that during overtime games, the length of play in any one game depends on the number of goals scored by both teams, with the game ending once a team scores before the end of the third extra period of play.

Game Clock Stops for Whistle and Penalties

The game clock stops whenever the referee blows the whistle, whether it’s due to icing, offside calls, or any other reasons where the game needs to be paused momentarily. Additionally, the clock also stops whenever players commit penalties, which adds to the overall length of the game as well.

During penalties, the offenders are removed from play, allowing the remaining players more room to operate and potentially gain an advantage over their opponents. These pauses may allow spectators time to catch up on missed action while officials work through specific player infractions, adding another level of excitement to the game experience.

Teams Change Ends After Every Period

After each period ends, the teams change ends of the rink they defend. This is done to even out any potential ice quality differences between both sides of the playing surface. The strategy involved in this is significant, with teams having to make changes based on individual matchups and tactical advantages against their opponents. During breaks, team coaches provide instruction for the upcoming period and make any necessary adjustments.

The change of ends may also impact the audience’s perspective when watching a game. Spectators located closer to one end when leaving it and moving towards the other get an opportunity for a different view of that side of the playing surface.”

Overtime Periods Last Up to 20 Minutes

In the National Hockey League (NHL), games can go into overtime if there is no clear winner after three regulation periods of 20 minutes each. Overtime periods are sudden death, and any goal scored during this period automatically wins the game for the scoring team.

Each overtime period has a maximum duration of 20 minutes with intermissions in between. If the game remains tied after the first overtime, another one begins until someone scores a goal.

Overtime rules vary slightly in the playoffs to ensure that games have a clear winner. The length of the intermission between overtime periods is reduced from 17 minutes to eight minutes, and teams do not leave the ice.

Teams Play 3-on-3 Until a Goal is Scored

In overtime, instead of five players on the ice per team as seen in regulation time, only three skaters aside play against each other. This format was introduced by the NHL prior to the 2015-16 season to reduce the number of shootouts in the regular season, which many fans and officials consider unsatisfactory. Playing 3-on-3 hockey creates more open space on the ice, leading to creative offensive plays, better chances, and more goals.

A lot of strategy, speed, and endurance become essential in a 3-on-3 overtime event. Teams must be efficient both offensively and defensively. In almost all cases, coaches send out their best forwards and defensemen because poor defensive coverage or turnovers often create breakaways that lead to quick goals.

Shootout Determines Winner if No Goal is Scored

Despite its effort to minimize shootouts, the NHL still resorts to them if neither team scores in overtime. A shootout involves a single player taking turns shooting from a predetermined distance, with the game-winning goal scored when one team has an insurmountable lead after three rounds. If it is still tied after these initial three shots, another round of shots starts, and so on until one team scores more than its opponent.

Only three players (not including goaltenders) are selected to take part in the shootout for each team. All penalties are completed, and all skaters on ht e bench must have been used before one person can shoot for a second time. It makes the shootout very exciting and puts a lot of pressure on individual performances.

“I don’t think anybody necessarily enjoys the shootout itself as far as every day hockey fans go, but I also think that it’s created some pretty incredible moments, and we’ve seen some guys step up and just do things that are crazy.” – Taylor Hall, New Jersey Devils Left Wing

The NHL allows five minutes of sudden-death overtime play per period during the regular season, but if no winner emerges, precedes straight into the SO, where teams have three shooters and ‘sudden victory’ rules apply.

The NHL offers great entertainment value to sports lovers worldwide, with the flexibility of games extending their duration by ending only when there is a clear victor. The incorporation of overtime periods and shootouts into regulation play provides spectators with thrilling endings, and players always aim to seal victories early in anticipation of fatigue creeping in. Overtime hockey brings out the best skills in the top pros, unveiling exhilarating performances!

Shootout Rounds Last Until One Team Scores

In the NHL, if the score is tied at the end of regulation time, the game goes into overtime. If no team scores in five minutes of 3-on-3 play, a shootout will take place to determine the winner. The shootout rounds last until one team scores and the other team misses.

“The key thing for me was that I had him thinking shot and then he tried to make a move,” said goalie Marc-Andre Fleury about his save during a 2019 shootout against the Nashville Predators.

The history of shootouts in the NHL traces back to the 2005-06 season when games no longer ended in ties. Since then, it has been an exciting way to break a deadlocked game and spice up the ultimate outcome.

Each Team Gets 3 Shots in Rotation

During a shootout, both teams participate in a rotation with each player taking turns shooting the puck from center ice toward the opposing goaltender. Each team gets three chances to break the tie. A goal counts as one point, and whoever has the most goals after three shots wins the game.

“It’s fun trying to decide what you’re going to do before you go out there,” said forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of the Edmonton Oilers. “I try not to overthink it too much because sometimes that’s when you get in trouble.”

With only three shots per team being taken, every shot is crucial in deciding the fate of the game. Players must think on their feet quickly since this event occurs merely minutes after regular play and without the assistance of linesmen or teammates.

If Tied After 3 Shots, Teams Take Turns Until Decisive Goal

If the score is still tied after three shots, then both teams will continue to take turns in a “sudden death” format. In such a way, each team will take one shot until one goal is scored and wins that game.

“Tonight’s just an unfortunate outcome for us,” said coach Rick Tocchet of the Arizona Coyotes after a shootout loss in 2020 against the San Jose Sharks.

In some instances, a team may employ different strategies when choosing players to take their shots or which goalie to sub-in before a sudden-death situation. It can be suspenseful, nerve-wracking, but ultimately thrilling for fans, coaches, and players to watch how events unfold in this unique event.

TV Timeouts Add to the Length of Games

The National Hockey League (NHL) is one of the most popular professional sports leagues in North America, attracting millions of viewers every year. However, with each passing season, NHL games seem to be getting longer and longer. One major reason for this is the addition of TV timeouts during games.

Two TV Timeouts Per Period

During each NHL game, there are two TV timeouts per period. These timeouts occur roughly halfway through each period and last for 2 minutes and 30 seconds each. This means that teams have a break from play every 10-12 minutes, leading to a more stop-and-go style of play that can make games drag on.

Timeouts Last 2 Minutes and 30 Seconds Each

TV timeouts are added to allow broadcasters to air commercials during the game, helping to offset the cost of broadcasting NHL games. Since these timeouts correspond with stoppages in play, like icing or offsides calls, the league does not believe they impact the outcome of the game significantly.

Additional Timeout Given to Coach if Team Challenges a Goal

In addition to the standard TV timeouts, coaches also have an opportunity to challenge a goal decision made by officials. If a coach challenges a ruling on a goal, they receive an additional timeout that they can use later in the game.

Timeouts Also Given During Overtime and Shootouts

If a game goes into overtime, the rules surrounding timeouts change slightly. Instead of two TV timeouts per period, there is only one TV timeout awarded after the first whistle following the three-minute mark of the overtime period. Coaches can also call a timeout at any point in overtime. In shootouts, each team is given one timeout to use whenever they see fit, leading to a potentially even more drawn-out game.

“I don’t think the whole TV thing and how long that takes is good for the sport.” – Steve Yzerman

While TV timeouts might help fund NHL broadcasts, they also tend to extend the length of games. Fans have voiced their displeasure with this aspect of the game in recent years, as it can make attending or watching games feel like a lengthy commitment.

Intermissions Last 17 Minutes

The National Hockey League (NHL) game is divided into three periods. Each of these periods lasts for 20 minutes, and the intermissions between these periods last for 17 minutes. Intermissions provide players with brief breaks to rest, rehydrate, and replenish their energy levels before getting back on the ice.

During the intermission, players usually head toward their locker rooms. They remove their helmets, gloves, and other gear to cool off as quickly as they can. The break also allows them to address any injuries they might have sustained during play.

Coaches may use this time to strategize with players and make necessary adjustments. This could involve analyzing the opponents’ gameplay or evaluating different lines for tactical advantages. Sports analysts often contribute insightful comments about the performance thus far, discussing highlights and missed opportunities in previous periods.

Intermissions Occur Between Every Period

A standard NHL game comprises three periods, each consisting of 20 minutes, separated by two 17-minute intermissions.

The first period is always played at full strength, except when there are penalties. However, if a team gets penalized towards the end of the first period, the power play will carry over into the second period. Similarly, penalties committed in the second period would result in those teams playing shorthanded for an extended duration in the third period.

The final period determines the winner of the game. If both teams score the same number of goals, an overtime period follows. Overtime involves five-on-five hockey for up to ten minutes. Suppose neither team scores during overtime. In that case, the game goes into a shootout where players from each side take turns going one on one against the goaltender until one team emerges victorious.

Players Use This Time to Rest and Replenish Energy

If you’ve ever played an intense game of hockey, then you know how crucial it is to take breaks to rest and replenish your energy levels. Elite professional athletes burn several thousand calories in a single game and need to keep their bodies fueled up. Hydration is also essential during the intermissions as players often lose gallons of water through sweat.

Hockey is an extremely demanding sport with lots of intentional physical contact. Players use this time to address any injuries that might have occurred during play, get medical attention if necessary, and stretch out cramped muscles.

TV Coverage Often Includes Analysis and Highlights During Intermissions

The NHL takes intermissions seriously as they provide an opportunity for TV broadcasters to generate more revenue. Commentators analyze the previous period’s action with expert opinions highlighting key moments of play and replaying goal scoring opportunities and breathtaking saves made by goaltenders for viewers who weren’t fortunate enough to see these earlier.

“The intermission is not just about giving fans watching at home a break. It’s another chance for us to tell the story of what we’re seeing on the ice,” said Pierre McGuire, veteran NHL broadcaster.

TV networks such as TSN, ESPN, and Sportsnet usually stick around and hand over coverage to studio analysts who examine strategies used thus far, make predictions for the upcoming periods, and assess gameplay critically. They sometimes invite retired NHL players or coaches to share their opinions on specific aspects of the game.

Ice Is Resurfaced During Second Intermission

At the end of every period, referees and attendants swap abused pucks for fresh ones before sending them back onto the ice surface. In addition, the second-period intermission offers the only extended break during which the zambonis resurface, smooth out and apply a fresh coat of water to the hockey rink’s surface.

Zambonis are special-purpose vehicles that glide over the ice surface to groom the roughened surface. The process takes around 12 minutes, leaving an impeccably smooth layer of ice upon which players skate during the final period.

“Ice surfaces build up ridges or grooves depending on how often you use them, so smoothing down all of those bumps creates optimal conditions for the third period play,” said Kevin Kurz, bay area news group journalist.

When watching NHL games, it is essential to understand the significance of intermissions. They provide valuable preparation time for coaches, allow players to rest and recover, enable broadcasters to generate excellent content, and facilitate critical maintenance and resurfacing of ice surfaces.

Playoff Games Can Last Much Longer

For fans of the National Hockey League (NHL), one question that comes to mind is “How long is an NHL game?” The answer, in most cases, is about two and a half hours. However, during playoffs, games can last much longer.

Playoff Games Can Go Into Multiple Overtime Periods

If a playoff game is tied at the end of regulation time, it will go into overtime. In overtime, the first team to score wins the game. If no one scores within the allotted five minutes, there will be another period of overtime until someone scores. This process repeats itself until a winner is determined. It’s not uncommon for playoff games to go into multiple overtime periods before finally ending.

“We’ve got up to seven periods coming up next week,” said Nashville Predators Coach Peter Laviolette, referring to his team’s marathon across two games in the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Games Can Last Up to 5 or 6 Hours

All those additional periods add up when it comes to time. Playoff games have been known to last several hours, with some even lasting over five or six hours. One notable example was Game 1 of the 1936 Detroit Red Wings-Montreal Maroons finals, which lasted 116:30, or almost two full games!

While the average NHL game lasts around two and a half hours, playoff games are a whole different story. Fans who attend playoff games need to be prepared for a potentially very long night and bring plenty of snacks and drinks to keep them going through all the extra periods.

Frequently Asked Questions