How Many Regular Season Games in NHL?
The National Hockey League (NHL) is one of the most popular professional ice hockey leagues in the world, featuring teams from both the United States and Canada. The league has a rich history spanning over a century and has undergone various changes throughout the years. One fundamental aspect of the NHL is its regular season, which determines the teams that qualify for the playoffs. In this article, we will explore how many regular season games are played in the NHL, along with five interesting facts about the league.
The NHL Regular Season:
The NHL regular season is a series of games played each team to establish their standings within their respective divisions and conferences. It serves as the primary means of determining which teams advance to the playoffs. The length of the regular season has varied over the years, but currently, teams play a total of 82 regular-season games. Each team competes against the other teams in the league, both within their conference and in inter-conference matchups.
Interesting Facts:
1. Longest NHL Regular Season Game:
The longest regular-season game in NHL history occurred on March 24, 1936, between the Detroit Red Wings and the Montreal Maroons. The game lasted for six overtimes, totaling 176 minutes and 30 seconds of gameplay. Mud Bruneteau scored the winning goal for the Red Wings in the sixth overtime, securing a 1-0 victory.
2. Shortest NHL Regular Season Game:
On March 24, 1943, the Montreal Canadiens faced the Detroit Red Wings in the shortest regular-season game ever played in the NHL. The game lasted a mere 21 minutes and 9 seconds before it was called off due to a player brawl. No goals were scored, and the game ended in a 0-0 tie.
3. Most Goals Scored a Team in a Regular Season:
The record for the most goals scored a team in a single regular season belongs to the 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens. Led players like Guy Lafleur and Steve Shutt, the Canadiens scored a staggering 387 goals in just 80 games.
4. Fewest Goals Allowed a Team in a Regular Season:
The fewest goals allowed a team in a single regular season is held the 1953-54 Montreal Canadiens. Led legendary goaltender Jacques Plante, the Canadiens only allowed 133 goals in 70 games, averaging less than two goals against per game.
5. Most Points in a Regular Season a Team:
The record for the most points earned a team in a single regular season is held the 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens. They accumulated an impressive 132 points in just 80 games, winning 60 and losing only eight.
Common Questions:
1. When does the NHL regular season start?
The NHL regular season usually begins in early October.
2. How long is the NHL regular season?
The NHL regular season consists of 82 games per team.
3. How many teams make the NHL playoffs?
Sixteen teams out of the 31 in the NHL qualify for the playoffs.
4. How many periods are played in an NHL regular season game?
Each NHL regular-season game is divided into three periods of 20 minutes each.
5. How many games does each team play against the teams in their division?
Each team plays a total of 32 games against the other teams in their division.
6. How are NHL regular-season standings determined?
Standings are determined a point system, where teams earn two points for a win and one point for an overtime or shootout loss.
7. How many teams have gone undefeated in an NHL regular season?
Only one team in NHL history has gone undefeated in a regular season: the 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens.
8. Can regular-season games end in a tie?
Starting from the 2005-06 season, regular-season games that end in a tie are no longer possible. If a game is tied after regulation, it proceeds to a five-minute sudden-death overtime period and then a shootout if necessary.
9. How many games are played each team against teams from the opposite conference?
Each team plays a total of 24 games against teams from the opposite conference.
10. How many times do NHL teams face each other in a regular season?
Teams from the same conference but different divisions face each other three times in a regular season.
11. What happens if two teams have the same number of points in the standings?
If two or more teams finish the regular season with the same number of points, tie-breaking procedures are implemented to determine their final standings.
12. How many games are played in the NHL playoffs?
The number of games played in the NHL playoffs varies depending on the length of each series, but a team must win four out of seven games to advance to the next round.
13. How long is the NHL regular season?
The NHL regular season typically spans from October to April.
14. How are the NHL playoffs structured?
The NHL playoffs consist of four rounds: the first round, the conference semifinals, the conference finals, and the Stanley Cup Finals. The winners of each round advance until the final two teams compete for the Stanley Cup.
In conclusion, the NHL regular season comprises 82 games per team. The league is filled with fascinating facts, including the longest and shortest regular-season games, records for goals scored and allowed, and the highest number of points earned a team. Understanding the regular season and its intricacies enhances our appreciation for the incredible sport of ice hockey.