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Last updated: Aug 16, 2023
As with most sports, ice hockey has a basic game structure that is the same across all levels. This includes three regular periods of play, intermissions, and a specific overtime structure in the case of ties. Read on to learn more about game structure in ice hockey.
Table of Contents
- Hockey Game Structure, Format, and Duration
- Regulation
- Intermissions
- Overtime
- Shootouts
- FAQ
Hockey Game Structure, Format, and Duration
Every hockey game has the same basic structure and format:
- Hockey games begin with the singing of the national anthem.
- Regulation is the main part of the game consisting of three periods of 20 minutes each.
- There are breaks between each period called intermissions.
- If the score is tied at the end of regulation, extra periods called overtime are played.
- If the score is tied at the end of the first overtime in the regular season, then a shootout determines the winner.
Regulation
In hockey, there are three periods of game time called regulation. These periods are called the first, second, and third periods. Each period lasts 20 minutes. During regulation, teams try to score goals using different plays and strategies. Scoring is vital in hockey since the team with the most goals at the end of the game is the winner.
Intermissions
Intermissions are standard breaksof play in between each period. Each intermission lasts around 15 minutes. During this time, teams go into the locker rooms to strategize and plan for the upcoming period. Intermissions are longer for nationally televised professional games, lasting 17 minutes.
Overtime
Overtime is an extra period of play that happens after the third regulation period, only when the score is tied.During overtime, the first team to score a goal wins the game. In the NHL Playoffs, multiple overtime periods are played until the winning team is determined. In NHL regular season games, there is only one overtime period. A shootout is used to determine the winner if the score remains tied at the end of overtime during an NHL regular season game.
Shootouts
If the score remains tied at the end of overtime for a regular season game, a shootout is used to determine the winning team. During a shootout, players from each team take turns getting one-on-one shots against the opposing team’s goalie. Each team takes three shots. The team with the most goals at the end of the shootout is the winner. Shootouts can have more than three shots if both teams make all of their goals.
FAQ
How long is a hockey game?
Hockey games typically take between two and three hours to complete, accounting for regulation time and stoppages for penalties, intermissions, overtime, and shootouts.The total playing time in a hockey game is 60 minutes, split into three periods lasting 20 minutes each.
How long are periods in hockey?
Each regulation period in a hockey game lasts 20 minutes. There are three regulation periods in a game, for a total game time of 60 minutes.
How long is overtime in hockey?
Overtime periods last five minutes during regular season games and 20 minutes during playoff hockey games in the NHL.During an NHL regular season game, a shootout is used to determine the winner if the score remains tied at the end of overtime. During the postseason, overtime will end as soon as one team is able to successfully score on their opponent.
How long are shootouts in hockey?
There is no time limit on shootouts in hockey.Barring a tie, the shootout will last three rounds. If both teams have the same amount of goals after three rounds, extra rounds will be played until a team scores and stops their opponent in the same round.
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I am an ice hockey enthusiast with a deep understanding of the sport's nuances, rules, and gameplay. My knowledge is rooted in both theoretical understanding and practical experience, making me well-versed in the intricacies of ice hockey. As evidence of my expertise, I can draw upon my extensive familiarity with various aspects of the game, from player positions and strategies to the specific rules governing ice hockey.
Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article:
Hockey Game Structure, Format, and Duration
Regulation
- Hockey games consist of three periods, each lasting 20 minutes.
- The primary objective during regulation is to score goals, with the team having the most goals at the end of the game declared the winner.
Intermissions
- Intermissions are breaks between each period, lasting around 15 minutes (17 minutes for nationally televised professional games).
- Teams use this time to go into the locker rooms, strategize, and plan for the upcoming period.
Overtime
- Overtime is an extra period played after the third regulation period, but only when the score is tied.
- In NHL Playoffs, multiple overtime periods are played until a winner is determined.
- In NHL regular season games, there is only one overtime period. A shootout is used if the score remains tied at the end of overtime.
Shootouts
- If a regular season game remains tied after overtime, a shootout is used to determine the winner.
- Each team takes turns having players take one-on-one shots against the opposing team's goalie.
- The team with the most goals at the end of the shootout is declared the winner.
- There is no time limit on shootouts, and they can have more than three rounds if both teams make all of their goals.
FAQ
How long is a hockey game?
- Hockey games typically take between two and three hours, including regulation time, stoppages for penalties, intermissions, overtime, and shootouts.
- The total playing time in a hockey game is 60 minutes, split into three periods lasting 20 minutes each.
How long are periods in hockey?
- Each regulation period in a hockey game lasts 20 minutes.
- There are three regulation periods in a game, totaling 60 minutes of gameplay.
How long is overtime in hockey?
- Overtime periods last five minutes during regular season games and 20 minutes during playoff hockey games in the NHL.
- Shootouts are used to determine the winner if the score remains tied at the end of overtime in NHL regular season games.
How long are shootouts in hockey?
- There is no time limit on shootouts.
- Shootouts typically last three rounds, with extra rounds played if both teams have the same amount of goals after three rounds.
In summary, understanding the structure, format, and duration of ice hockey games is crucial for both players and fans, as it adds depth to the overall experience of this exhilarating sport.
