This page shows live NHL scores, in-progress game updates, final results, and upcoming games for the 2025–26 regular season and playoffs. Scores refresh in real time during game nights, showing current period, time remaining, and up-to-date goal counts for every active game across all 32 franchises.

How to Read NHL Scores

Each score card displays the two competing teams, their current or final goals scored, and the game status. During live games, the card shows the current period (P1, P2, P3) or OT/SO status and the time remaining. Final cards show the game result including overtime and shootout outcomes. Upcoming game cards display the scheduled start time in your local time zone.

NHL Game Schedule: When Do Teams Play?

The 2025–26 NHL regular season runs from October 2025 through April 2026, with each team playing 82 games. Game nights are most common on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. The league often schedules marquee matchups for Saturday nights, traditionally the biggest night for NHL hockey in North America.

Overtime and Shootout Rules

When a regular-season game is tied after three periods, teams play a 5-minute, 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime. If still tied, a shootout determines the winner. The winning team earns 2 standings points; the losing team receives 1 point for reaching overtime. In the playoffs, overtime is sudden-death with full 5-on-5 play and continues until a goal is scored — there are no shootouts in the postseason.

Frequently Asked Questions — NHL Scores

How many periods are in an NHL game?

A standard NHL game consists of three 20-minute periods of regulation play, with 18-minute intermissions between periods. If the score is tied after 60 minutes, the game proceeds to a 5-minute overtime period (3-on-3), and then a shootout if still tied in the regular season. Playoff games use unlimited sudden-death overtime periods instead.

What does OT and SO mean in NHL scores?

OT stands for Overtime — the game was decided in the 5-minute 3-on-3 overtime period. SO stands for Shootout — neither team scored in overtime, and the game was decided by a penalty-shot competition. Both the winning and losing team in OT/SO earn points: 2 for the winner, 1 for the loser.

What time do NHL games usually start?

Most NHL games start between 7:00 PM and 10:30 PM local time, depending on the time zone. East Coast games typically puck-drop at 7:00–7:30 PM ET, while West Coast games often start at 7:00–10:00 PM PT (10:00 PM–1:00 AM ET). Weekend matinee games and outdoor stadium events may start in the afternoon.

How long does an NHL game last?

An NHL game typically lasts about 2.5 hours from puck-drop, including two 18-minute intermissions. Games that go to overtime may extend to 2 hours 45 minutes or more. Playoff games with multiple overtime periods can last well over 3–4 hours. The actual game clock is 60 minutes of ice time.

How is the home team determined in NHL games?

The home team is the franchise in whose arena the game is played. The home team typically wears their white or light-coloured jerseys (though some teams switch this tradition). Home-ice advantage is significant in the NHL playoffs, where the higher-seeded team hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 of a best-of-seven series.