How Does Hockey Time Work
Hockey games are broken down into three 20-minute periods. However, the length of a hockey game can vary depending on certain factors. Here are five facts to help you understand how hockey time works:
1. Period Time: Each period in a hockey game consists of 20 minutes of playing time. These periods are regulated by the game clock, which counts down from 20 minutes to 0.
2. Stoppages: The game clock stops during certain situations such as when a whistle is blown, a goal is scored, or a penalty is called. These stoppages can extend the overall duration of the game.
3. Overtime: If the game is tied at the end of the third period, teams play an additional overtime period. In the regular season, overtime consists of five minutes of 3-on-3 play. If no team scores during overtime, the game ends in a tie. In the playoffs, overtime periods continue until a team scores a winning goal.
4. Shootouts: If the game remains tied after the overtime period during the regular season, the game proceeds to a shootout. Each team selects three players to take penalty shots, and the team that scores the most goals in the shootout wins the game.
5. Intermissions: There are two intermissions between the three periods of a hockey game. The first intermission typically lasts around 17 minutes, while the second intermission is shorter, usually around 15 minutes.
FAQs:
1. Can hockey games end in a tie?
Answer: During the regular season, if the game is tied at the end of the third period and overtime, it results in a tie. However, in the playoffs, teams continue playing until a winning goal is scored.
2. How long is a typical hockey game?
Answer: A typical hockey game takes around two and a half to three hours to complete, including the intermissions and any stoppages in play.
3. What happens if the game is tied after overtime and there is no shootout?
Answer: If a shootout cannot be implemented (e.g., due to time constraints), the game ends in a tie during the regular season. In the playoffs, teams continue playing additional overtime periods until a winning goal is scored.
4. Why does the game clock stop during stoppages?
Answer: The game clock stops during stoppages to ensure that the actual playing time is accurately measured. It allows for fair gameplay and helps maintain consistency in game duration.
5. How is overtime different in the playoffs compared to the regular season?
Answer: In the playoffs, overtime periods continue until a winning goal is scored, regardless of the time it takes. In the regular season, overtime lasts for five minutes, and if no team scores, the game proceeds to a shootout.
6. Can a team score more than one goal in the shootout?
Answer: No, each team takes turns in the shootout, and only one goal is counted per round. The team that scores more goals in the shootout wins the game.
7. How long are the intermissions in a hockey game?
Answer: The first intermission usually lasts around 17 minutes, providing teams with a longer break. The second intermission is shorter, typically around 15 minutes, to ensure a smooth flow of the game.
BOTTOM LINE:
Hockey games consist of three 20-minute periods with stoppages that can extend the overall duration. Overtime and shootouts are used to determine a winner if the game is tied. Intermissions provide breaks for players and last around 17 minutes and 15 minutes, respectively.
