The NHL season is long. It is fast. And it is packed with action. If you are new to hockey, you might wonder how many games teams really play each year. The answer is simple at first glance. But there is more to it once you include preseason and playoffs. Let’s break it all down in a fun and easy way.
TLDR: NHL teams play 82 regular season games each year. Before that, they play about 6 to 8 preseason games. If they make the playoffs, they can play up to 28 more games. So, in a full season with a deep playoff run, a team could play over 110 games.
The Regular Season: 82 Games
The heart of the NHL season is the regular season. Every team plays 82 games. No more. No less.
These 82 games are split between:
- 41 home games
- 41 away games
This balanced schedule keeps things fair. Every team gets the same number of chances to win at home and on the road.
The regular season usually starts in October and ends in April. That is about six months of hockey.
Teams play about:
- 3 to 4 games per week
- Sometimes back to back games on two nights
- Occasional long road trips
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How the 82 Games Are Scheduled
Not every team plays each opponent the same number of times. The NHL is divided into two conferences:
- Eastern Conference
- Western Conference
Each conference has two divisions.
Teams play:
- More games against division rivals
- A good number against other conference teams
- At least two games against teams from the other conference
This format builds rivalries. And rivalries mean more excitement.
For example:
- You might face your biggest rival 3 or 4 times.
- You may only see a team from the opposite conference twice.
This keeps the season competitive and fun.
What About the Preseason?
Before the regular season begins, teams play preseason games. These games do not count in the standings.
Most teams play:
- 6 to 8 preseason games
Preseason usually happens in September.
Why do teams play preseason games?
- To test young players
- To try new line combinations
- To help players get back into game shape
- To decide final roster spots
Stars may play fewer minutes. Top players sometimes sit out entirely.
Preseason is like a warm up before the big race.
The Intensity of the Regular Season
82 games might not sound like a lot at first. But think about this:
- The NFL plays only 17 games.
- The NBA plays 82 games.
- MLB plays 162 games.
Hockey is very physical. Players skate hard. They check. They block shots. They travel constantly.
That makes 82 hockey games extremely demanding.
Travel can be brutal. Especially for teams in the Western Conference. Flights can be long. Time zones change often.
A typical week might look like this:
- Tuesday: Game at home
- Thursday: Fly to another city and play
- Saturday: Another road game
It is fast. It is exhausting. It is impressive.
What Happens After the 82 Games?
After the regular season ends, the top teams move on to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
This is where things get serious.
16 teams qualify:
- 8 from the Eastern Conference
- 8 from the Western Conference
The playoffs have four rounds:
- First Round
- Second Round
- Conference Finals
- Stanley Cup Final
Each round is a best of seven series.
That means a team must win four games to move on.
How Many Playoff Games Can a Team Play?
Here is where things get interesting.
If every series goes the full seven games, one team could play:
- 7 games in Round 1
- 7 games in Round 2
- 7 games in Conference Finals
- 7 games in Stanley Cup Final
That adds up to:
28 playoff games
Now add the regular season:
82 + 28 = 110 games
And if you include preseason:
110 + 6 to 8 more = 116 to 118 total games
That is a lot of hockey.
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Do All Teams Play the Same Total Games?
No. Not even close.
Every team plays:
- 82 regular season games
But after that, it changes.
Here are some examples:
- A team that misses the playoffs plays only 82 games.
- A team eliminated in the first round might play 86 to 89 games total.
- A Stanley Cup champion might play over 100 games.
This difference matters. Especially for player fatigue.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Stage | Games Played | Do They Count in Standings? |
|---|---|---|
| Preseason | 6 to 8 | No |
| Regular Season | 82 | Yes |
| Each Playoff Round | Up to 7 | Yes (series based) |
| Maximum Playoffs Total | 28 | Yes |
| Maximum Possible Season Total | 116 to 118 | Mixed |
Why 82 Games?
You might wonder why the NHL chose 82 games.
The 82 game format has been standard since the mid 1990s. It strikes a balance.
Here is why it works:
- It allows teams to play every opponent.
- It generates strong ticket revenue.
- It fits into a six month schedule.
- It matches the NBA season length.
Shorter seasons have happened. But only during unusual events.
For example:
- Lockouts shortened seasons.
- The COVID pandemic reduced games temporarily.
But in a normal year, 82 games is the rule.
How Long Is One NHL Season Overall?
The NHL season stretches across most of the year.
Here is a simple timeline:
- September: Training camp and preseason
- October to April: Regular season
- April to June: Playoffs
The Stanley Cup Final usually ends in June.
That means hockey runs for about nine months if you include everything.
That is a long grind.
How Many Games in One Week?
NHL teams usually play:
- 3 games per week
- Sometimes 4 during busy stretches
Back to back games are common.
This means:
- Game on Friday night
- Another game on Saturday night in a different city
Goalies are often rotated during these stretches. Rest is important.
Does the Schedule Affect Performance?
Yes. A lot.
Fatigue builds up. Injuries happen. Travel wears players down.
Teams with:
- Good depth
- Strong backup goalies
- Smart rotation systems
tend to survive the 82 game grind better.
Coaches carefully manage:
- Ice time
- Practice intensity
- Rest days
Because the goal is not just making the playoffs.
The goal is surviving four playoff rounds.
That is when the games matter most.
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Fun Facts About NHL Games
- The longest possible NHL season is over 110 games.
- Each game has three 20 minute periods.
- If tied in the regular season, games go to overtime and possibly a shootout.
- Playoff games cannot end in shootouts. They use full overtime periods instead.
This means playoff games can last much longer.
Some go deep into multiple overtime periods. That adds even more exhaustion.
So, How Many Games Do NHL Teams Play Each Year?
Here is the simple answer again.
- 82 regular season games is guaranteed.
- 6 to 8 preseason games come before that.
- Up to 28 playoff games can follow.
So the total depends on success.
Miss the playoffs? 82 games.
Win the Stanley Cup in seven game series each round? Over 110 games.
Final Thoughts
The NHL season is a marathon. Not a sprint.
82 games test skill and consistency. The playoffs test heart and endurance.
When you watch a team lift the Stanley Cup in June, remember this.
They likely survived more than 100 high speed, hard hitting games.
That is months of effort. Months of travel. Months of pressure.
Now when someone asks, “How many games do NHL teams play each year?” you know the full story.
And you know it is a lot more than just 82.