An NHL game has only 60 minutes on the regulation clock, but that is not the same as the amount of time a fan spends watching or attending the game.
Quick answer: NHL regulation time is 60 minutes, divided into three 20-minute periods. The two scheduled intermissions are 18 minutes each, and the game clock stops for whistles. Penalties, video reviews, television breaks, overtime, and a shootout can extend the real-world elapsed time. For planning, reserve about three hours from puck drop for a regular-season game, then add the time you need to enter and leave the arena. That is a practical buffer, not a guaranteed running time.
How long is an NHL game?
An NHL game has 60 minutes of regulation playing time. There is no fixed wall-clock length because the clock stops when play stops.
The 60 minutes of play plus two 18-minute intermissions account for 96 minutes before ordinary stoppages are added. Faceoffs after whistles, penalties, goals, injuries, video reviews, and scheduled television breaks all add elapsed time. A tied game takes longer because it continues to overtime and may reach a shootout.
How many periods are in a hockey game?
An NHL regulation game has three periods. Each period lasts 20 minutes on the game clock, for 60 minutes total.
The first and second periods are followed by full intermissions. If one team leads after the third period, the game ends. If the score is tied, the next step depends on whether it is a regular-season or playoff game.
How long is each NHL period?
Each NHL period contains 20 minutes of actual playing time. A period therefore takes longer than 20 minutes in real time.
The clock runs while the puck is in play and stops at a whistle or goal. It starts again when the puck is dropped at the next faceoff. The number and length of stoppages vary from game to game, which is why the final buzzer cannot be predicted from the scheduled puck-drop time alone.
How long are NHL intermissions?
The NHL rulebook sets the intermission between regulation periods at 18 minutes, unless the League designates another length. The countdown begins after the final official leaves the ice at the end of the period.
During the break, the ice is resurfaced and the teams return to their dressing rooms. Fans have time to visit concessions or restrooms, but concourses can become crowded; leaving your seat as the period ends can save time.
What happens if an NHL game is tied?
A regular-season game tied after 60 minutes goes to a short overtime period and then, if necessary, a shootout. A playoff game uses full 20-minute sudden-death overtime periods and has no shootout.
Regular-season overtime
Regular-season overtime lasts up to five minutes and begins three-on-three. It is sudden death, so the game ends as soon as either team scores.
There is not a full intermission between regulation and regular-season overtime. The ice is shoveled, the players remain at their benches, and the rulebook expects overtime to begin approximately two minutes after regulation ends.
If no one scores in five minutes, the game moves to a shootout. Each team receives three attempts unless the result is decided earlier. If it remains tied after three rounds, the shootout continues one round at a time until one team scores and the other does not.
Playoff overtime
Stanley Cup Playoff overtime works differently. After a 15-minute intermission, the teams play a full 20-minute sudden-death period. The first goal ends the game.
If neither team scores, another overtime period is played. The 20-minute periods continue until someone scores, so a playoff game has no fixed maximum length. There is no shootout.
How long should you plan to be at the arena?
For a regular-season game, a three-hour block from the scheduled puck drop is a useful planning allowance. Add at least 30 to 45 minutes before the game if you want time for security, finding your seat, food, or warmups, and allow extra time to leave the building afterward.
Treat that as a schedule buffer rather than a promise that the game will finish at a particular time. Regular-season overtime and a shootout can push the end later. Playoff overtime can extend a game indefinitely, so avoid a tight postgame train, parking, or pickup deadline when possible.
Check the NHL Arenas directory for venue-specific parking, transit, entry, and seating information before you go.