The NHL is one of the most exciting leagues in the world. Fast skating, hard hits, and amazing goals make it a blast to watch. But have you ever wondered how many games these hockey stars play each season? Let’s dive into that frosty rink of facts!
TLDR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)
The NHL regular season has 82 games for each team. It starts in October and ends in April. After that, there are the playoffs, which can add up to 28 more games for teams that go all the way. That’s a lot of hockey!
How the NHL Season Works
The NHL season is split into two major parts:
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Each part has a unique purpose and different amount of games.
1. Regular Season: 82 Games per Team
This is the biggest chunk of the NHL schedule. Every team plays 82 games in the regular season:
- 41 home games
- 41 away games
The season usually starts in early October and wraps up in early April. That means teams are playing about three or four games a week!
2. The NHL Playoffs: Up to 28 More Games
After April, the top teams from the season head into the playoffs. The playoffs are intense, and there’s no room for mistakes. It takes 16 wins to become Stanley Cup champions, but those 16 wins don’t come easy.
The playoffs are made of four rounds:
- First Round (Best of 7)
- Second Round (Best of 7)
- Conference Finals (Best of 7)
- Stanley Cup Finals (Best of 7)
If every series goes to seven games, a team can play 28 extra games in the playoffs!
Why 82 Games?
That’s a great question, and the answer is a mix of tradition and business.
- More games mean more ticket sales.
- Fans get to see their team play more often.
- It gives a big enough sample size to fairly decide which teams are best.
Before 1995, teams didn’t play 82 games. The number of games has changed many times over the years. The NHL settled on 82 games in the 1995-96 season for good.
COVID and Short Seasons
Of course, not every season goes perfectly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHL had to change its schedule. For example:
- 2019-20: Season paused in March, only some teams returned for playoffs.
- 2020-21: Only 56 games were played due to travel and safety concerns.
But in normal times, it’s 82 games that fans can expect.
How Are Those 82 Games Decided?
The NHL has 32 teams as of now, split into:
- 2 conferences – Eastern and Western
- 4 divisions – 2 in each conference
So who plays who? Let’s break it down!
Here’s a Typical Breakdown:
- Divisional games: Teams play others in their division several times (about 26 games total).
- Conference games: They play teams outside their division but within the same conference (24 games).
- Inter-conference games: Teams play against teams from the other conference (32 games).
This mix ensures rivalries stay strong and fans get a bit of variety too!
Back-to-Back Games and Travel
Playing 82 games in about six months is not easy. Players often suit up for back-to-back games. That means they play on one night and again the next night, sometimes in different cities!
Traveling is tough, especially for teams on the West Coast. They often fly long distances to play games in the East. That’s why teams battle not just opponents—but also fatigue and jet lag.
Preseason and All-Star Break
Before the 82-game grind starts, there’s a short preseason. Teams test out new lineups and get in shape.
Midway through the season, players get a break during the All-Star Weekend. Some stars play fun exhibition games, and others relax and recharge for the second half of the season.
What Happens After the Season?
Once the season ends, it’s time for:
- The Draft: New young players enter the league.
- Free Agency: Some players change teams.
- Training and recovery: Even pros need a break!
The offseason doesn’t have official games, but a lot still happens behind the scenes to get ready for the next year.
How Does NHL Compare to Other Sports?
Here’s a quick look at how the NHL stacks up against other major leagues:
| League | Games per Season |
|---|---|
| NHL | 82 |
| NBA | 82 |
| MLB | 162 |
| NFL | 17 |
The NHL and NBA have the same number of games, but hockey is far more physical, making an 82-game season very demanding.
Fun Facts!
- The first team to play 82 games was the Boston Bruins in 1995-96.
- A team could play up to 110 games total—if they go all the way in playoffs!
- The most points in a season by a team? The 2022-23 Boston Bruins with 135 points.
Conclusion
So, how many games are in an NHL season? Now you know – it’s 82 games for each team, with up to 28 more in the playoffs. That’s a lot of ice time, goals, hits, and breathtaking moments.
Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard fan, the NHL season is packed with action. So grab your jersey, fire up the TV, and enjoy the ride!