How Many Periods in Hockey Are There?

Hockey is known as “the coolest game on earth,” and is loved by millions of fans around the world for its speed and action.

All of that action takes place in 60 minutes, with each second bringing something fun and exciting for fans to enjoy.

Find out more about how many periods there are in a hockey game and how long they last below.

How Many Periods in Hockey Are There?

There are three periods in a hockey game. Those periods last 20 minutes and are separated by an intermission that lasts 15-18 minutes, depending on the league you are watching.

NHL intermissions last 18 minutes.

If an NHL game is tied after three periods, it goes to overtime. The rules for overtime in the regular season and playoffs are different.

In the regular season, the overtime lasts five minutes and is played at 3-on-3 until someone scores. If the game is still tied after that, it goes to a shootout. 

In the playoffs, overtime mimics a regulation period. It is 20 minutes long and is played at 5-on-5 until someone scores. 

There are no shootouts in the playoffs. If the game is still tied after the overtime period ends, another starts after an intermission.  

Because hockey games can go beyond regulation, sportsbooks offer NHL odds on whether or not a game will go to overtime.

Is Hockey 3 Periods or 4?

There are three periods in a hockey game, and they last 20 minutes. If the game is tied after the third period, it goes to overtime.

How Many Quarters Are There in the NHL?

There are no quarters in the NHL. The NHL splits its games into three periods lasting 20 minutes each. Each period is separated by an 18-minute intermission.

One of the reasons that hockey is a fun sport to live-bet is because sportsbooks refresh hockey odds at every intermission, giving bettors a chance to place their wagers.

Is Hockey 60 or 70 Minutes?

Hockey lasts 60 minutes and each game is divided into three periods that last 20 minutes.