<P> The season structure of the National Hockey League ( NHL ) is divided into the regular season and the Stanley Cup playoffs . In the regular season , which generally runs from early October through early April , teams play 82 games which determine their standings . The three highest - placed teams in each division and two wild card teams per conference enter the playoff elimination tournament to determine the Stanley Cup champion . </P>
<P> The season structure of the National Hockey League ( NHL ) is divided into the regular season and the Stanley Cup playoffs . In the regular season , which generally runs from early October through early April , teams play 82 games which determine their standings . The three highest - placed teams in each division and two wild card teams per conference enter the playoff elimination tournament to determine the Stanley Cup champion . </P>
how many hockey games are in a season
how many hockey games are in a season
82
82