Sports

How Many Periods Are in Hockey: Complete Guide on NHL Games Overtime and Benefits

Hockey is more than a sport for worldwide fans. It is popular among all countries including the United States, Russia, Sweden, and Finland. Hockey is played during summer and winter games, including field hockey and ice hockey, which have various similarities and dissimilarities. This article delves into the Ice Hockey sport and systematically covers “How many periods are in hockey” and the conceptions behind it.  

Additionally, it is a fast-paced game that needs physical and brain training skills. The game is well-known for its unique history and division of formats in playing time. 

If you are an ice hockey enthusiast, gain profound knowledge and insights about your favorite game – Ice Hockey.

How Many Periods Are There In an Ice Hockey Game? 

The answer to the typical question “How many periods are in hockey” is 3 periods. 

Unlike football, basketball, soccer, etc. divided into quarters and two halves, Ice Hockey has the distinctive 3 periods respectively. Each of these periods is 20 minutes long that are important for both playing teams. There are 15-18 minutes of intermissions between each period. 

Usually, an average professional ice hockey game lasts about 2-3 hours and varies on factors that influence the time of the sport. 

Let’s determine the “How many periods are in hockey” in a simpler format.

Part of Game	Duration	Description
Each period	20 minutes	Including 3 periods (active playtime)
Intermissions	15-18 minutes	2 intervals (break for rest and strategy)

How Long Are NHL Overtime Periods

The familiar question “How many periods are there in a hockey” conveys 3 regulation periods in ice hockey, but the game also includes overtime periods in case of tie-ups.  

NHL (National Hockey League) is the oldest top-ranked professional ice hockey league in North America. According to the NHL games, if both the playing teams are tied at the end of the regulation period, the overtime periods are introduced to determine the winning team. 

Hence, the rules of added overtime periods are different in regular and playoff seasons.

NHL overtime rules for the Regular season

• The game goes to a sudden death overtime period of 5 minutes.
• The team plays with three players on each side with a goalie.
• If both the teams again tie up after the overtime period, the game goes to the shootout.
• The team selected the three shooters to play with three rounds on each side.
• The team that scores the maximum points wins the game.
• If the tied situation still remains after three rounds, the game goes to sudden death shots again.

NHL overtime rules for the Playoffs

• The playoff overtime period lasts for 20 minutes, the same as the active periods. 
• The first team to score in the overtime period wins. 
• If the game is still in a tied situation, the game goes to another 20-minute overtime period.
• The cycle repeats with three periods and after that 15 minutes of intermission is added to resurface the ice.  
• This happens until one team scores higher than the other team and wins the game.

Why Does Ice Hockey Have Three Periods

Alt: Why Does Ice Hockey Have Three Periods

Before 1910-11, Ice Hockey was played in two halves like other sports. The two halves were 30 minutes long each. However, thanks to two hockey legends Frank and Lester Patrick who introduced the three periods in ice hockey.

“How many periods are in a hockey” has a specific solution of a three-period system which is practically beneficial in various activities. The introduction of a three-period system allows for more opportunities to clean and resurface the ice, provides more rest to players, and specific time to plan strategies. This system helps to maintain high-quality games and standard fair play.

Moreover, the three-period system has commercial advantages. The TV shows and other media networks also have sufficient time to broadcast sports with enough advertisements and exciting replays. From the fan’s or audience’s perspective, long hockey games are value for money. Therefore, the game integrated with intermission gives a natural break for breathing and grabbing good snacks.

On the other hand, the three-period system is in the roots of hockey tradition. So this system also has a special position in the hearts of traditional hockey lovers.

Conclusion

Hockey is a physical sport that requires strength and power with the combination of brain skills and strategies. However, the three-period system benefits players with more rest and efficient time for planning strategies. It allows for more frequent rink cleanings and balanced play. This system prevents injuries and delays and encourages fans.

The relevant answer to the question of how many periods are in hockey is three regulation periods. This change enhances the experience of excitement for players and fans.