When Is Hockey Season?
1. The National Hockey League (NHL) regular season usually starts around early October.
2. The regular season spans over a period of six to seven months.
3. Each team plays a total of 82 games during the regular season.
4. The regular season concludes towards the beginning of April.
5. Following the regular season, the NHL playoffs begin, usually in mid-April, and can continue until early June.
FAQs:
1. Is the start date of the NHL season fixed every year?
– No, the exact start date of the NHL season can vary slightly from year to year. It depends on various factors, including labor negotiations and scheduling considerations.
2. How many teams make it to the NHL playoffs?
– A total of 16 teams, eight from each conference, qualify for the NHL playoffs.
3. How long does the NHL playoffs usually last?
– The NHL playoffs typically last for approximately two months, from mid-April to early June.
4. How are the teams selected for the NHL playoffs?
– The teams that qualify for the playoffs are determined based on their regular season performance. The top three teams from each division, along with two wild-card teams from each conference, earn a spot in the playoffs.
5. Is the NHL the only professional hockey league?
– No, there are several professional hockey leagues worldwide, including the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in Europe and the American Hockey League (AHL) in North America.
6. What happens if a game during the regular season ends in a tie?
– Since the 2005-2006 season, NHL games can no longer end in a tie. If a game is tied after regulation time, a five-minute sudden-death overtime is played, followed by a shootout if necessary.
7. Are there any breaks or pauses during the NHL regular season?
– Yes, there is usually a break in late January or early February called the All-Star break. This break allows players to participate in the NHL All-Star Game festivities and provides a rest period during a long season.
BOTTOM LINE: The NHL season typically starts in early October and lasts for roughly six to seven months, with each team playing 82 regular-season games. Following the regular season, the playoffs begin in mid-April and can extend until early June. The start date may vary slightly each year, and 16 teams qualify for the playoffs based on their regular-season performance.
