How Many Games in NHL Regular Season: A Deep Dive into the Schedule
The NHL regular season is an exciting time for hockey fans around the world. It is during this period that teams battle it out on the ice to secure their spot in the playoffs. But have you ever wondered how many games are played during the NHL regular season? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide you with five interesting facts about the NHL regular season schedule.
1. The Number of Games:
During a typical NHL regular season, each team plays a total of 82 games. These games are spread out over a span of approximately six months, from October to April. This extensive schedule provides ample opportunities for teams to showcase their skills and compete for a playoff berth.
2. Divisional Matchups:
Within those 82 games, teams face their divisional opponents more frequently than others. This strategy aims to increase the intensity of rivalries and foster a sense of familiarity among teams. On average, a team plays around 30-32 games against divisional opponents, making these matchups crucial in determining playoff seeding.
3. Home and Away Games:
To ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all teams, the regular season schedule consists of an almost equal number of home and away games. Each team plays 41 games at home and 41 games on the road. This balance guarantees that no team has a significant advantage or disadvantage due to the venue.
4. The Impact of Olympic Years:
During Olympic years, where the Winter Olympics are held, the NHL regular season is altered to accommodate the international tournament. In these years, the regular season is shortened, with each team playing fewer than 82 games. This adjustment is made to allow NHL players to represent their respective countries in the Olympics.
5. Overtime and Shootouts:
In the NHL regular season, games can end in a tie if neither team scores during the five-minute overtime period. However, to ensure a clear winner, the league introduced the shootout format. If the game is still tied after overtime, a shootout takes place, where each team selects three players to attempt to score against the opposing goalie. The team with the most goals at the end of the shootout is declared the winner and awarded an additional point.
Now, let’s address some common questions about the NHL regular season:
1. When does the NHL regular season begin and end?
The NHL regular season typically starts in early October and ends in early April.
2. How are teams divided within the NHL?
The NHL consists of two conferences, the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference, each further divided into four divisions.
3. How many teams make it to the playoffs?
Sixteen teams, eight from each conference, qualify for the playoffs.
4. How are the playoff teams determined?
The top three teams from each division make it to the playoffs, along with two wild-card teams from each conference.
5. What happens if two teams have the same number of points?
If two teams have the same number of points at the end of the regular season, tiebreakers such as regulation and overtime wins are used to determine seedings.
6. How many games does each team play against non-divisional opponents?
Each team plays a total of 50-52 games against non-divisional opponents.
7. Who holds the record for the most wins in an NHL regular season?
The 1995-1996 Detroit Red Wings hold the record for the most wins in a regular season, with 62 victories.
8. How many games are played during the Stanley Cup Playoffs?
The Stanley Cup Playoffs consist of four best-of-seven series, resulting in a maximum of 28 games being played.
9. How are playoffs seedings determined?
The team with the most points in each division is awarded the highest seed, followed the remaining teams with the next highest points.
10. What happens if a game ends in a tie during the playoffs?
During the playoffs, games cannot end in a tie. Overtime periods continue until a goal is scored.
11. How many teams have never won the Stanley Cup?
As of 2021, there are three teams that have never won the Stanley Cup: the Arizona Coyotes, the Buffalo Sabres, and the Vancouver Canucks.
12. How many games are played during the NHL preseason?
The NHL preseason consists of approximately six exhibition games per team.
13. How many periods are played in an NHL game?
An NHL game consists of three periods, each lasting 20 minutes.
14. How many referees officiate an NHL game?
An NHL game is officiated two referees and two linesmen.
In conclusion, the NHL regular season consists of 82 games, providing teams with ample opportunities to secure a playoff spot. Divisional matchups, home and away games, and the impact of Olympic years all contribute to the dynamic schedule. Additionally, the introduction of overtime and shootouts ensures that every game has a clear winner. So, get ready to cheer for your favorite team as they battle it out on the ice during the NHL regular season.