How Many Games in an NHL Season? (Including Playoffs)

The National Hockey League (NHL) is a professional ice hockey league that consists of 32 teams, divided into two conferences and four divisions.

Each team competes in a regular season, followed by playoffs to determine the ultimate champion.

In the NHL, each team plays 82 games during the regular season, and in the playoffs, a team can play a maximum of 28 games if each of their series extends to seven games.

So NHL teams play anywhere from 82-110 games per year.

The NHL regular season consists of 1,312 games.

There are 15 playoff series, lasting between 4 and 7 games.

So 60-105 NHL playoff games occur each season.

Below we look in more detail at the number of games played in an NHL season, including playoffs, and delve into the structure and significance of these games.

Table of Contents

The NHL Regular Season

The NHL regular season is the primary phase of competition where teams play against each other to accumulate points and secure a spot in the playoffs.

The regular season typically begins in early October and concludes in early April, spanning a period of approximately six months.

During the regular season, each team plays a total of 82 games.

These games are evenly distributed among the teams, with each team playing 41 home games and 41 away games. This balanced schedule ensures fairness and equal opportunities for all teams.

Given this, there are 1,312 games in the NHL regular season (32/2 * 82).

The regular season games are crucial as they determine the standings and playoff seedings.

Teams earn points based on their performance in these games, with two points awarded for a win and one point for an overtime or shootout loss.

The points accumulated throughout the regular season determine the team’s position in the standings.

The NHL Playoffs

Once the regular season concludes, the top teams from each division, as well as wild card teams, advance to the playoffs.

The playoffs are a knockout tournament where teams compete in a best-of-seven series to advance to the next round.

The playoffs consist of four rounds: the First Round, the Second Round, the Conference Finals, and the Stanley Cup Finals.

In each round, teams face off against their opponents until one team emerges victorious.

The team that wins the Stanley Cup Finals is crowned the NHL champion.

Unlike the regular season, where each team plays 82 games, the number of games played in the playoffs varies depending on the team’s success.

The maximum number of games a team can play in the playoffs is 28, assuming they go through all four rounds and each series goes to a full seven games.

However, it is important to note that not all series go to seven games.

Some series may end in fewer games if one team wins four games before reaching the seventh game. This means that the number of games played in the playoffs can be lower than 28.

There are 15 total playoffs series (8 First Round, 4 Second Round, 2 Conference Finals, and the Stanley Cup Finals).

These last from 4-7 games each, so 60-105 games are possible in the playoffs.

The Importance of Regular Season and Playoff Games

Both regular season and playoff games hold significant importance in the NHL.

Let’s take a closer look at why these games matter:

Regular Season

Determining Standings: The regular season games determine the standings and playoff seedings. Teams strive to accumulate as many points as possible to secure a higher position in the standings, which can provide advantages in the playoffs.
Player Development: Regular season games provide players with opportunities to showcase their skills, develop their game, and gain experience. These games are crucial for player growth and improvement.
Fan Engagement: Regular season games attract a large number of fans who support their favorite teams. These games create a sense of excitement and anticipation throughout the season.

Playoff Games

Competing for the Stanley Cup: The ultimate goal of every NHL team is to win the Stanley Cup. Playoff games provide teams with a chance to compete for this prestigious trophy and etch their names in hockey history.
Intense Competition: Playoff games are known for their high intensity and physicality. The stakes are higher, and teams give their all to advance to the next round. This leads to thrilling and memorable moments for both players and fans.
Increased Media Coverage: Playoff games attract a significant amount of media attention, resulting in increased exposure for the teams and players. This exposure can have a positive impact on the popularity and growth of the sport.

Q&A – How Many Games in an NHL Season? (Including Playoffs)

1. How many games are played in an NHL regular season?

In an NHL regular season, each team plays a total of 82 games.

2. Do all teams play the same number of games in the regular season?

Yes, all teams play an equal number of games in the regular season. Each team plays 41 home games and 41 away games.

3. How many teams make it to the NHL playoffs?

A total of 16 teams (8 from each conference) make it to the NHL playoffs.

4. How many rounds are there in the NHL playoffs?

The NHL playoffs consist of four rounds: the First Round, the Second Round, the Conference Finals, and the Stanley Cup Finals.

5. How many games are played in each round of the NHL playoffs?

In each round of the NHL playoffs, teams compete in a best-of-seven series.

This means that a maximum of seven games can be played in each round.

6. Can a team play more than 28 games in the NHL playoffs?

No, a team cannot play more than 28 games in the NHL playoffs.

If a team wins each series in the minimum number of games (four), they will play a total of 16 games (4 games per series x 4 series).

7. How many games are played in the Stanley Cup Finals?

The Stanley Cup Finals is a best-of-seven series, meaning that a maximum of seven games can be played.

However, the series can end in fewer games if one team wins four games before reaching the seventh game.

8. How long does the NHL regular season last?

The NHL regular season typically lasts for approximately six months, starting in early October and concluding in early April.

9. How long does the NHL playoffs last?

The duration of the NHL playoffs varies depending on the length of each series and how many games are played.

The playoffs can last for approximately two months, starting in mid-April and ending in early June.

10. Are regular season games and playoff games equally important?

While both regular season and playoff games hold significance, playoff games are often considered more crucial as they determine the ultimate champion and provide teams with an opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup.

11. Can a team with a poor regular season record still win the Stanley Cup?

Yes, it is possible for a team with a lower regular season record to win the Stanley Cup.

The playoffs offer a fresh start for all teams, and a strong performance in the playoffs can overcome a mediocre regular season.

12. How are playoff seedings determined?

Playoff seedings are determined based on the regular season standings.

The top three teams from each division, along with two wild card teams from each conference, secure a spot in the playoffs.

13. Do teams get a break between the regular season and playoffs?

Yes, teams usually get a short break between the regular season and playoffs to rest and prepare for the intense playoff games.

This break allows players to recover from any injuries and recharge for the playoff push.

14. How many teams qualify for the playoffs from each division?

From each division, the top three teams qualify for the playoffs.

In addition, two wild card teams from each conference, regardless of division, also make it to the playoffs.

15. Can a team play against the same opponent in multiple rounds of the playoffs?

Yes, it is possible for a team to face the same opponent in multiple rounds of the playoffs.

This can occur if both teams advance through the earlier rounds and are matched up again based on the playoff bracket.

Summary

The NHL regular season consists of 82 games, with each team playing 41 home games and 41 away games.

These games determine the standings and playoff seedings.

The playoffs, on the other hand, are a best-of-seven series knockout tournament where teams compete to win the Stanley Cup.