By Admin 
How many games in NHL season is a question many hockey fans ask every year. If you are new to hockey or just curious, knowing the number of games helps you follow your favorite teams better. The NHL season is full of excitement, with players competing in many matches to reach the playoffs. Each team has a schedule that balances home and away games, and fans love to track scores, stats, and standings. Understanding how many games in NHL season also helps fans plan when to watch big matches or visit arenas. From star players scoring goals to goalies making incredible saves, every game matters. Hockey is fast, thrilling, and sometimes unpredictable. By knowing the season length, fans can enjoy the entire journey from the first puck drop to the final playoff games. This guide will explain everything you need to know.
How many games in NHL season can sometimes be confusing because it can change in special circumstances, like lockouts or global events. Normally, each team plays a set number of regular-season games, and this number is decided by the NHL to make sure every team competes fairly. The schedule includes home games where teams play in their own arenas and away games in other cities. Knowing the exact number of games helps fans follow their favorite teams closely, track player performance, and understand standings in the league. It also allows fans to plan events, watch live matches online, or attend games in person. In addition, understanding how many games in NHL season is important for new hockey fans who are learning the rules, scoring systems, and playoff qualification. This article will break down the NHL season structure, explain regular-season and playoff games, and provide all the details you need to enjoy the full hockey experience.
Table of Contents
How Many Games in NHL Season: Regular Season Explained
The regular NHL season is the main part of the year when all teams compete to qualify for the playoffs. Each NHL team normally plays 82 games in a regular season. This includes 41 home games and 41 away games, giving each team a fair chance to play in front of their fans and also travel to other cities. During these games, players score goals, make assists, and try to earn points for their teams.
The regular season usually starts in early October and ends in April. These 82 games are spread across six months, meaning teams play about three or four games per week. The NHL carefully creates the schedule so teams have rest days and travel time. Knowing how many games in NHL season allows fans to plan their calendars to watch key games or follow favorite players.
How Many Games in NHL Season: Home and Away Matches
Every NHL team plays an equal number of home and away games. Home games are exciting because fans get to see their favorite teams in action in local arenas. Away games are played in other cities, and teams have to travel, sometimes long distances, to compete.
Playing home and away games balances the season. It gives every team a fair chance to earn points and qualify for playoffs. Fans often look at schedules to plan which games to attend. Some fans even travel to watch away games of their favorite team. Understanding how many games in NHL season helps fans know how many chances their team has to win at home or on the road.
How Many Games in NHL Season: Understanding the Schedule
The NHL schedule is carefully designed. It divides the 82 games into divisions and conferences. Teams play more games against rivals in their own division and fewer games against teams in other divisions. This makes the season exciting and competitive because fans love rivalry matches.
Knowing the schedule is important for fans who want to follow their favorite players and teams. The NHL releases the schedule before the season starts, so fans can plan which games to watch live or on TV. By understanding how many games in NHL season, fans can track which matches are most important for playoff qualifications.
How Many Games in NHL Season: Why Each Game Matters
Every game in the NHL is important because teams earn points. A win earns two points, a loss in overtime or shootout earns one point, and a loss in regular time gives zero points. These points decide the league standings.
Fans who know how many games in NHL season can understand how every match affects playoff chances. Even one win or loss can make a big difference in standings. Players also aim to perform their best in every game because stats, awards, and records depend on their performance.
How Many Games in NHL Season: Tracking Team Standings
Tracking standings is fun for fans. NHL uses a points system to rank teams in each division and conference. Teams with the most points move closer to playoffs, while teams with fewer points may not qualify.
By knowing how many games in NHL season, fans can calculate how many points a team can still earn. It also helps new fans understand why teams push hard in the last few weeks of the season. Standings also decide playoff matchups, making every game more exciting.
How Many Games in NHL Season: What Changes During Special Seasons
Sometimes, the NHL season does not have the usual 82 games. Special seasons can happen due to lockouts, pandemics, or other events. For example, the 2020 season had fewer games because of COVID-19.
Fans need to know that how many games in NHL season may change in special cases. The NHL announces these changes in advance to make sure fans and teams are prepared. Even in shortened seasons, the excitement and competitiveness remain high.
Conclusion
How many games in NHL season is important for every fan to know. Normally, teams play 82 regular-season games, divided equally between home and away matches. Playoffs follow the regular season and are played in elimination rounds. Knowing the number of games helps fans plan, follow standings, track players, and enjoy hockey fully. Special circumstances may change the number of games, but the excitement never decreases. By understanding the NHL season, fans of all ages can enjoy every puck drop, goal, and save.
FAQs
Q1: How many games does each NHL team play in a season?
A1: Each team normally plays 82 games in the regular season – 41 at home and 41 away.
Q2: Can the number of games in NHL season change?
A2: Yes. Special seasons like lockouts or global events can reduce the number of games.
Q3: How many playoff games are there?
A3: Playoff games vary. Teams play best-of-seven series in each round, so total games depend on how far a team goes.