The National Hockey League (NHL) schedule has been unveiled, and fans across North America are gearing up for another exciting season of hockey. But how many games do teams play, and what does the schedule look like?
For the 2021-2022 NHL season, each team will play 82 games. This number has remained consistent for several years now, and it’s a sufficient number of games to gauge the performance of each team over the course of the season. However, the schedule itself can vary from year to year.
The NHL schedule typically consists of three types of games: regular season games, outdoor games, and playoff games. Regular season games make up the bulk of the schedule, with each team playing 41 home games and 41 road games. The schedule is divided into two halves of the season: the first half (October through December) and the second half (January through April).
Outdoor games are a unique feature of the NHL schedule, with a few games each season being played in stadiums or other open-air venues. These games are typically held on New Year’s Day and are a major spectacle for fans of the game. While they only make up a small percentage of the overall schedule, outdoor games are highly anticipated and bring in a significant amount of revenue for the NHL.
The final type of game on the NHL schedule is playoff games. The playoffs are comprised of a total of four rounds, with teams competing in a best-of-seven series. The playoffs can last for up to two months, with the final round – the Stanley Cup Finals – being held in June.
While the NHL schedule can be complex, it is highly anticipated by fans each year. Many fans look forward to seeing which teams will face off in the playoffs, as well as which outdoor games will be included in the schedule. Additionally, the schedule can impact the performance of teams throughout the season, so it is closely followed by both fans and coaches alike.
Aside from the number of games, the schedule itself can also have an impact on teams. Certain teams may have a more favorable schedule than others, which can affect their performance throughout the season. For example, a team that only has a few back-to-back games in their schedule may be better rested and have a better chance of winning games.
The NHL schedule is also designed to minimize travel time for teams. As a result, teams will typically play multiple games within the same region before moving on to another part of the country. This not only reduces travel time for players but also helps to ensure that teams are well-rested and prepared for each game.
One interesting feature of the NHL schedule is the use of “divisional play.” In this system, teams are divided into geographic divisions (such as the Atlantic, Metropolitan, Central, and Pacific divisions) and will play most of their games against teams in their own division. This system is intended to increase rivalries between teams and create a more exciting season for fans.
In the end, the NHL schedule is a key component of the league’s success. It allows fans to plan ahead and get excited about upcoming games, while also providing coaches with a framework for managing their teams. Whether it’s regular season play, outdoor games, or playoff games, the NHL schedule plays a major role in the overall success of the league. So as the new season approaches, fans and players alike will be eagerly anticipating the beginning of another exciting year of hockey.
