Understanding Hockey Periods: A Simple Guide

If you’ve ever watched a game and wondered why the action stops every 20 minutes, you’re looking at hockey periods. A period is just a block of play time. Most leagues use three periods of 20 minutes each, with a short break in between. Knowing the basics helps you follow the game better and enjoy every moment.

How Long Is a Period and What Happens Between Them?

Each period runs for 20 minutes of real clock time. The clock stops whenever play is paused – for a penalty, a goal, or the puck leaving the ice. That means a period often lasts longer than 20 minutes in reality. After the first and second periods, teams get a 15‑minute intermission to hydrate, change tactics, and rest. The third period ends the game unless the score is tied.

What Does Overtime Mean for the Period Structure?

If the game is tied after the third period, most leagues add overtime. In the NHL, regular‑season overtime is a five‑minute sudden‑death period with three players per side. If nobody scores, the game goes to a shootout. Playoff games keep playing extra periods until someone scores, so the period count can keep growing.

During a period, each team has a set number of skaters on the ice – usually five forwards and two defensemen plus a goalie. When a penalty is called, the penalized player sits in the box and the team plays short‑handed, which can change the flow of the period dramatically.

Understanding when the clock stops is key. The ref stops the clock for face‑offs, injuries, and when the puck goes out of play. That’s why you’ll see the arena’s clock freeze often, even though the period feels like it’s dragging on.

Coaches use the break between periods to tweak lineups and give feedback. They might change a forward line, adjust defensive pairings, or switch the goalie if they’re not performing. Listening to the intermission analysis can give you clues about what’s working and what’s not.

For fans at home, keeping track of the period is easy – the broadcast screen usually shows the current period and the time left. If you’re at the rink, the scoreboard does the same job. Some arenas even flash a light when a period ends, so you don’t have to stare at the board.

One practical tip: if you’re betting or doing fantasy picks, pay attention to how many minutes are left in a period. Late‑period power plays often lead to goals because teams are more aggressive. Knowing the period context can give you an edge.

In short, a hockey game is built around three 20‑minute periods, with overtime added if needed. The clock stops for many reasons, making each period feel longer than it actually is. Use the breaks to see strategy shifts and watch how penalties shape the action. With this knowledge, you’ll get more out of every game you watch.