An NHL season consists of 82 games for each team, with 41 games played at home and 41 on the road. This format allows every team to compete against every other team at least once in each location. However, this wasn’t always the case. The number of games in an NHL season has evolved significantly over the league’s history, adapting to changes in teams, league structure, and external factors.
Let’s take a closer look at How many games are in an entire NHL season have or how the NHL season has changed over the years.
20 to 36-Game NHL Season (1917-1926)
When the NHL was established in 1917, there were only four teams in the league. With fewer teams, the season was shorter and varied based on the league’s growth and circumstances. For example:
- During the 1918-1919 season, just 18 games were played because the league had only three active teams.
- Between 1919 and 1924, the season expanded to 24 games as the league grew to four teams.
In 1925, new teams like the Montreal Maroons and Boston Bruins joined, expanding the league further. This led to seasons with 30 to 36 games. The New York Americans and Pittsburgh Pirates also entered the league around this time, marking the beginning of a gradual increase in the season’s length.
44-Game NHL Season (1926-1931)
From 1926 to 1931, the league played a 44-game season. This period saw the introduction of the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers, two of the NHL’s “Original Six” teams. As the league grew, so did the season length, reflecting the increased competition and fan interest.
48-Game NHL Season (1932-1942)
For a decade, the NHL adopted a 48-game regular season. However, during this time, the number of active teams fluctuated due to financial and operational struggles. For example, by 1942, the New York Americans suspended operations, leaving only six teams in the league and ushering in the “Original Six” era.
50-70 Game NHL Season (1942-1966, the Original Six Era)
During the Original Six era, the number of games gradually increased:
- From 1942 to 1946, the league played a 50-game schedule.
- Between 1947 and 1950, this expanded to 60 games.
- By 1950, the schedule settled at 70 games, a format that remained until the NHL’s first major expansion in 1967.
This steady increase reflected the league’s growing popularity and the need for a more extensive schedule to meet fan demand.
74-78 Game NHL Season (1967-1974)
The NHL’s expansion in 1967 introduced six new teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins. As more teams joined, the league expanded the schedule:
- Initially, teams played 74 games per season.
- By the early 1970s, this increased to 78 games, with teams like the Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks entering the league.
80-Game NHL Season (1974-1992)
From 1974 to 1992, the NHL adopted an 80-game schedule. Despite significant changes, such as adding teams like the Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets, the league maintained this schedule for nearly two decades. This consistency helped solidify the NHL’s structure and appeal.
84-Game NHL Season (1992-1994)
In 1992, the NHL briefly increased the schedule to 84 games. This was partly due to the introduction of “neutral site” games played in cities without NHL teams. However, this format was short-lived. After the 1994 lockout, the league reduced the schedule to its current length of 82 games.
82-Game NHL Season (1995-Present)
Since 1995, the NHL has consistently played 82 games per season. Despite disruptions like lockouts and the COVID-19 pandemic, this format has endured for nearly three decades. The current schedule balances competition, travel, and fan engagement while ensuring all teams play each other at least once at home and once on the road.
When Did the NHL Go to 82 Games?
The NHL adopted the 82-game schedule following the 1994-95 lockout. This change eliminated the “neutral site” games and streamlined the schedule to better accommodate team travel and logistics.
Why Did the NHL Go from 84 to 82 Games?
The shift from 84 to 82 games occurred due to logistical challenges and the ineffectiveness of neutral site games in attracting new fans. The revised schedule allowed for a more streamlined season, reducing travel demands and focusing on existing markets. How many Canadian teams NHL have?
Why Are the NHL Season 82 Games?
The 82-game format ensures:
- Every team plays all others at least twice (home and away).
- Teams within the same division face each other more frequently, fostering rivalries and impacting playoff seeding.
This balance creates an engaging and competitive season while preparing teams for the intense Stanley Cup playoffs.
How Long Are the NHL Playoffs?
The NHL playoffs typically begin in April and conclude in June with the Stanley Cup Final. Teams must win 16 games across four best-of-seven series to claim the championship. Depending on the outcomes, a team could play anywhere from 16 to 28 playoff games, not including overtime periods, which can extend game lengths considerably.
How Many Exhibition Games Does Each NHL Team Play?
Before the regular season, NHL teams usually play 6-8 exhibition or preseason games. These games, held in September, allow teams to evaluate rookies and fringe players while giving veterans a chance to prepare for the regular season.
Extra Information:
- Game Duration: Regular season games consist of three 20-minute periods, with overtime and shootouts deciding tied games. Playoff games feature unlimited 20-minute sudden-death overtime periods.
- Historical Context: The NHL’s evolving schedule reflects its growth from a small, regional league to an internationally recognized organization with 32 teams.
This rich history showcases how the NHL has adapted to meet the demands of players, fans, and the sport itself, ensuring an exciting and competitive experience for all.
FAQ’s
How many games does the NHL play in a season?
82 games are played in a season in the NHL.
How long is a full NHL season?
NHL full season 7 months long.
When did the NHL have 84 games?
During the 1992-93 and 1993-94.
Who is the highest-paid NHL player?
Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs – $13.25 million.
Are there 32 teams in the NHL?
Yeah! There are 32 teams in NHL divided into 4 divisions.