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How Long Is the NHL Hockey Season? A Comprehensive Guide

How Long Is the NHL Hockey Season? A Comprehensive Guide

June 26, 2025 by

If you’re a fan of the National Hockey League (NHL), you might find yourself wondering just how long the season lasts and what makes up the different phases of the season. The NHL season is an exciting and action-packed journey, filled with fierce competition, incredible athleticism, and unforgettable moments. But understanding the structure of the season can sometimes be confusing to newcomers and casual fans alike.

In this blog, we will break down the length of the NHL season, from the preseason to the Stanley Cup Finals. We’ll also discuss the different stages of the season, its structure, and the differences between the regular season and playoffs. Let’s lace up our skates and dive into the timeline of the NHL season.


The NHL Season Breakdown: Key Phases

The NHL season can be divided into three distinct phases: the preseason, the regular season, and the playoffs. Each phase serves a specific purpose and has its own timeline. Let’s take a closer look at each of these stages.

Preseason (Early September to Early October)

The NHL preseason typically begins in early September and lasts approximately two to three weeks. This is the period when teams prepare for the regular season, and it’s also a time for coaches to evaluate their players, experiment with line combinations, and make decisions about the final roster. The preseason consists of exhibition games where teams face off against each other, but these games don’t count in the standings.

While preseason games aren’t as intense as regular-season matchups, they’re still exciting for fans. It’s the first time since the end of the previous season that teams hit the ice, and for some rookies or players trying to make the team, it’s their chance to shine. The preseason is also crucial for players returning from injury or attempting to regain their form.

Regular Season (Mid-October to Early April)

Once the preseason wraps up, the NHL regular season officially begins. The regular season typically runs from mid-October to early April, spanning approximately six months.

How Many Games in the Regular Season?

During the regular season, each of the 32 NHL teams plays 82 games. This is made up of:

  • 41 home games
  • 41 away games

These games are played against teams from both the team’s conference and the other conference, with each team facing divisional opponents multiple times, and the rest of the league’s teams a few times throughout the season.

The regular season is broken into two conferences, each with two divisions. Teams in each division battle it out for playoff positioning, with the top teams in each conference earning a spot in the postseason. A team’s performance during the regular season determines if they’ll make it to the playoffs and have a chance to compete for the ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup.

Points System and Standings

To understand how teams perform during the regular season, it’s essential to know the NHL points system. Teams earn points based on the outcome of their games:

  • 2 points for a win
  • 1 point for an overtime or shootout loss
  • 0 points for a regulation loss

At the end of the regular season, the top three teams in each division automatically qualify for the playoffs, while two wild-card spots are awarded to the teams with the most points that didn’t finish in the top three of their divisions.

Playoffs (Mid-April to Mid-June)

The NHL playoffs typically begin in mid-April, following the conclusion of the regular season, and run until mid-June. This is the most thrilling and intense phase of the NHL season. The playoffs are a tournament-style competition to determine which team will win the Stanley Cup.

How Many Teams in the Playoffs?

In total, 16 teams qualify for the NHL playoffs — eight teams from each conference (Eastern and Western). The playoffs are a best-of-seven series format, where the first team to win four games advances to the next round. The 16 playoff teams are ranked based on their regular-season point total, and teams face off in a bracket-style tournament.

The playoff rounds include:

  • First Round (Conference Quarterfinals)
  • Second Round (Conference Semifinals)
  • Third Round (Conference Finals)
  • Stanley Cup Final

The Stanley Cup

The ultimate goal of every NHL team is to win the Stanley Cup, which is awarded to the champion of the NHL playoffs. The Stanley Cup Finals are a highly anticipated best-of-seven series between the champions of the Eastern and Western Conferences. The winning team gets to hoist the Stanley Cup, and players, coaches, and fans celebrate the culmination of a grueling and dramatic postseason.

How Long Is the NHL Season in Total?

To summarize, the entire NHL season consists of three main phases:

  • Preseason: 2-3 weeks in early September to early October.
  • Regular Season: Approximately 6 months, from mid-October to early April, with each team playing 82 games.
  • Playoffs: About two months, from mid-April to mid-June.

In total, an NHL season typically lasts around 8 to 9 months, encompassing the preseason, regular season, and playoffs.

A Closer Look at the Timeline

Here’s a quick rundown of the NHL season timeline:

  • September: Preseason games begin, and training camps open.
  • October: The Regular season begins around mid-October.
  • April: The regular season concludes in early April, and the playoffs start shortly after.
  • June: Stanley Cup Finals wrap up in mid-June.

So, if you’re a hockey fan, you have a good 8-9 months of action to look forward to each year, with only a short offseason to recharge before the next season begins.


The NHL Offseason: What Happens When the Season Ends?

After the Stanley Cup champion is crowned, the NHL enters its offseason, which usually lasts from late June to mid-September. While the offseason is a time for players to rest and recuperate, there’s still plenty of activity. Teams make trades, sign free agents, and scout for the upcoming draft, all while fans eagerly anticipate the start of the next season.

The offseason may seem quiet compared to the hustle and bustle of the regular season and playoffs, but it’s a crucial time for teams to prepare for the challenges ahead.


Why Is the NHL Season Length Important?

The length of the NHL season is a crucial aspect of what makes hockey such an exciting and competitive sport. Here’s why it matters:

  • Player Development: The long season allows teams to develop young players, test new strategies, and foster chemistry among teammates. It also allows players to overcome injuries and improve their skills.
  • Excitement and Drama: The extended season, particularly the playoffs, creates thrilling moments and allows for greater drama. With each game so meaningful, every shift, pass, and shot can determine a team’s fate.
  • Fan Engagement: For fans, the length of the season means there’s always something to look forward to. Whether it’s the intense rivalries during the regular season or the high-stakes playoff battles, the NHL keeps fans engaged throughout the entire year.

Conclusion

The NHL season spans from the preseason in early September to the Stanley Cup Finals in mid-June, lasting around 8 to 9 months. The regular season itself covers roughly 6 months, with teams playing 82 games, followed by the high-octane NHL playoffs. Whether you’re following the action from the opening puck drop in October or eagerly awaiting the Stanley Cup Finals in June, there’s no shortage of thrilling moments and unforgettable drama in the world of NHL hockey.

So, whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer, understanding the length and structure of the NHL season will enhance your enjoyment and make every game feel that much more exciting. With months of hard-hitting, fast-paced action, there’s always something happening in the NHL – and that’s what makes hockey one of the most thrilling sports to watch.

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