A hockey game typically lasts around 60 minutes, divided into three periods of 20 minutes each. However, when taking into account commercial breaks, timeouts, and other stoppages in play, the total duration of a hockey game can vary.
Here are 7 FAQs about the duration of a hockey game:
1. Are there any breaks during the game?
Yes, there are several breaks in a hockey game. The most common breaks include intermissions between periods, which usually last around 15-18 minutes. Additionally, there are timeouts that can be taken by either team, which typically last 30 seconds to a minute.
2. What happens if the game goes into overtime?
If the game is tied at the end of the regulation three periods, it can go into overtime. This means additional time is added to determine a winner. Regular-season overtime lasts five minutes, and if no team scores, a shootout follows. In playoffs, sudden-death overtime periods continue until a goal is scored.
3. How long does a shootout take if the game goes to that?
A shootout typically lasts around 10 minutes, including the player selection and the actual shootout attempts. However, if both teams haven’t determined a winner after the initial shootout, the process can continue until one team scores more goals than the other in a given round.
4. Can the game exceed the average 60-minute duration?
Yes, there are instances when a game can exceed the average duration. This can happen if there are numerous stoppages due to penalties, injuries, video reviews, or other game delays. These factors can add extra time to the game.
5. What is the total duration of a typical hockey game, including intermissions?
Including intermissions, timeouts, and other stoppages, the total duration of a hockey game can range between 2 to 2.5 hours. However, this can vary depending on the pace of play, the number of goals scored, and other factors affecting gameplay.
6. How long are the intermissions between periods?
The intermissions between periods usually last around 15-18 minutes. These breaks allow players to rest, strategize, and for the ice to be resurfaced by the arena staff.
7. Can the duration of a game be affected by television broadcasts?
Yes, television broadcasts can impact the duration of a hockey game. To accommodate commercials and analysis, broadcasters may take additional extended breaks between periods, which can cause the game to last slightly longer.
BOTTOM LINE: On average, a hockey game lasts about 60 minutes, divided into three periods of 20 minutes each. However, with breaks, overtime, and possible shootouts, the total duration of a game can range from 2 to 2.5 hours. Various factors like penalties, reviews, and television broadcasts can influence the overall length of a hockey game.
