The National Hockey League (NHL) plays a total of 1,271 regular-season games in a regular 82-game season. Here are five supporting facts about the number of games played in the NHL:
1. The regular-season schedule for each NHL team consists of 41 home games and 41 away games, totaling to 82 games per team.
2. The league consists of 32 teams, with 31 based in the United States and 1 in Canada.
3. Since the 2017-2018 season, the NHL adopted a balanced schedule, where teams play against each other at least twice, ensuring a fair distribution of games among all teams.
4. The regular-season games are played from early October to early April, spanning over approximately six months.
5. The teams compete for points during the regular season, and the top eight teams from each conference advance to the playoffs, where they compete for the Stanley Cup.
FAQs:
1. When does the NHL regular season start and end?
Answer: The regular season generally begins in early October and ends in early April of the following year.
2. How many games does each team play at home and away?
Answer: Each team plays 41 games at home and 41 games away, resulting in a total of 82 games for each team.
3. Are all NHL teams required to play the same number of games?
Answer: Yes, all teams in the NHL play the same number of regular-season games, which is currently set at 82 games.
4. How often do teams face each other in the regular season?
Answer: Teams face each other at least twice during the regular season. However, due to the balanced schedule, some teams face each other more than twice.
5. Do teams play against every team in the league at least once?
Answer: Yes, as part of the NHL’s balanced schedule, each team plays against every other team in the league at least once during the regular season.
6. How are standings determined in the NHL regular season?
Answer: Teams earn two points for a win, one point for an overtime or shootout loss, and zero points for a regulation loss. Standings are determined by the total points earned.
7. Does the regular-season performance impact the playoffs?
Answer: Yes, the regular-season performance is crucial as the top eight teams from each conference, based on points earned, qualify for the playoffs. The regular-season standings determine the seeding for the playoffs.
BOTTOM LINE:
The NHL regular season consists of 82 games, with each team playing 41 games at home and 41 games away. The league follows a balanced schedule to ensure fairness and competitiveness, with teams facing each other at least twice. The regular-season performance is crucial for teams to qualify for the playoffs and compete for the Stanley Cup.
