Have you ever planned to watch an NHL game, only to wonder how much of your evening it will take?
If you are new to Ice hockey, the answer might surprise you. Although an NHL game contains just 60 minutes of official playing time, watching the entire contest usually takes around two and a half hours.
The clock stops frequently, players take breaks between periods, and overtime can extend the action. In this article, I will explain how long NHL games last, what affects their duration, and how much time you should set aside before the puck drops.
How Long Does an NHL Game Last?
An average NHL game lasts approximately two and a half hours from the opening faceoff to the final whistle.
However, the exact duration depends on:
- Stoppages
- Intermissions
- Penalties
- Video reviews
| Game Components | Duration |
|---|---|
| Regulation time | 60 minutes |
| Intermissions | 36 minutes total |
| Stoppages and commercial breaks | Approximately 30 to 60 minutes |
| Total average game duration | Approximately 2.5 hours |
If you are planning to watch a game that starts at 7:00 PM, you can generally expect it to finish around 9:30 PM. Some games end sooner, while others continue beyond 10:00 PM, especially when overtime or lengthy reviews are involved.
I recommend setting aside at least 3 hours if you do not want to miss the ending. This gives you some flexibility without assuming every game will follow the same schedule.
What is the Regulation Time of an NHL Game?
The regulation time actual playing time of an NHL game is 60 minutes, comprising 3 periods, each lasting 20 minutes on the official game clock.
However, these 60 minutes do not run continuously, as there are 2 intermissions between these periods. The clock also stops when:
- The puck leaves the playing surface
- A referee calls a penalty
- A goal is scored
- Another stoppage occurs
As a result, the overall time spent watching a game is considerably longer than one hour. This is different from field hockey where the regulation time of 60 minutes is divided into 4 quarters.
Here is how the three periods work.
First Period
The first period lasts 20 minutes of official playing time. Both teams begin:
- Competing for possession
- Creating scoring opportunities
- Trying to establish control of the game
Once the period ends, the players leave the ice for the first intermission.
Second Period
The second period also lasts 20 minutes. The teams switch ends and return to the ice after the intermission.
Depending on the score, you may see:
- More aggressive attacking
- Defensive adjustments
- Penalty situations
Third Period
The final regulation period lasts another 20 minutes. This is often where the pressure increases, particularly when the score is close.
If one team is trailing, it may pull its goaltender for an extra attacker near the end of the game. If the teams remain tied after regulation, the game may continue into overtime.
What are Intermissions in an NHL Game?
Intermissions are the breaks between the periods of playing in an NHL game. There are two standard intermissions during regulation, and each generally lasts 18 minutes.
The first intermission comes after the opening period, while the second takes place between the second and third periods. During these breaks:
- Players rest
- Coaches discuss tactics
- Arena crews prepare the ice for the next period
Ice resurfacing is an important part of the process because it helps maintain a suitable playing surface. The break also gives broadcasters time for analysis, interviews, and other coverage.
Together, the two intermissions account for approximately 36 minutes. When you add these breaks to the 60 minutes of regulation playing time, you get 96 minutes before accounting for stoppages and other delays.
That is why an NHL game cannot realistically be expected to finish in just one hour and 36 minutes.
NHL Overtimes and Their Durations
NHL overtime can extend a game beyond its normal duration. The format depends on whether the contest takes place during the regular season or the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Regular Season Overtime
During the regular season, a tied game goes into a five minute, sudden death overtime period played three on three. The first team to score wins.
If neither team scores during those five minutes, the game proceeds to a shootout. Teams take penalty shots to determine the winner, following the league’s shootout rules.
Because overtime and a shootout add extra time, a regular season game may run longer than the typical two and a half hours.
Stanley Cup Playoff Overtime
Playoff overtime works differently. If the teams are tied after regulation, they play additional 20 minute sudden death periods, with the teams continuing until somebody scores.
There is no shootout in Stanley Cup playoff games. The contest can therefore last considerably longer than a regular season game, particularly when neither team scores early in overtime.
For this reason, you should avoid making tight plans immediately after a playoff game. A contest that appears close to ending can continue for another period or even several periods.
Why Do NHL Games Take Around Two and a Half Hours?
Several factors explain why the real duration is much longer than the official playing time. If you understand these factors, it becomes easier to estimate when a game will end.
| NHL Game Component | Duration |
|---|---|
| First period | 20 minutes |
| First intermission | 18 minutes |
| Second period | 20 minutes |
| Second intermission | 18 minutes |
| Third period | 20 minutes |
| Total regulation playing time | 60 minutes |
| Total scheduled time including intermissions | 96 minutes |
| Average real time for a complete game | About 2.5 hours |
| Regular season overtime | 5 minutes |
| Shootout | Variable |
| Stanley Cup playoff overtime | 20 minutes per period |
1) Frequent Clock Stoppages
The game clock stops for many reasons, including:
- Goals
- Penalties
- Icing
- Offside calls
- The puck going out of play
Officials also stop the action when players need attention or when a situation requires further review. These interruptions may last only a few seconds, but they accumulate throughout the game.
2) Commercial Breaks
NHL is counted among the richest sports in the world, and the primary reason for that is broadcasting deals and advertisements.
That’s why televised NHL games include commercial breaks during designated stoppages. These breaks give broadcasters time to show advertisements while the players rest before play resumes.
They also contribute to the difference between the official game clock and the time shown on your watch.
3) Penalties and Video Reviews
Penalties can interrupt play while officials assess the situation and teams prepare for a power play or penalty kill.
Video reviews can add more time, particularly when officials need to determine whether a goal counts or whether a specific play requires further examination. Most reviews are relatively brief, but some take longer than others.
Last Take
So, NHL games last for approximately two and a half hours, even though regulation hockey contains only 60 minutes of official playing time.
Intermissions, clock stoppages, and television breaks explain most of the difference. Overtime can extend the game further, particularly during the Stanley Cup playoffs, when teams continue playing until someone scores.
I recommend allowing around three hours when planning to watch a full game. That way, you can enjoy the action without worrying about leaving early or missing an exciting finish.
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