An NHL game consists of three 20-minute periods, totaling 60 minutes of actual playtime
. Between these periods, there are two intermissions lasting about 15 to 18 minutes each, plus several stoppages for TV commercial breaks and other interruptions during play
. Including intermissions, stoppages, and commercial breaks, a typical NHL game lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
. If the game is tied at the end of regulation during the regular season, it goes to a 5-minute sudden-death overtime period. If still tied, the game is decided by a shootout, which adds a few more minutes
. Playoff games have no shootouts and use 20-minute sudden-death overtime periods that continue until a goal is scored, which can significantly extend game length beyond 3 hours
. In summary:
- Regulation time: 60 minutes (3 periods × 20 minutes)
- Intermissions: ~15-18 minutes × 2
- Typical total duration: 2.5 to 3 hours including breaks and stoppages
- Overtime (regular season): 5 minutes plus shootout if needed
- Overtime (playoffs): Multiple 20-minute periods until a goal is scored, potentially extending the game much longer
This structure makes NHL games much longer than the 60 minutes of playtime alone would suggest
