How many NHL games are played? 84 from 2026/27
Each NHL team plays 84 regular-season games in 2026/27. How opponents are allocated and how preseason and playoff totals differ.
Each NHL team plays 84 regular-season games in 2026/27, up by 2 from 2025/26. Across 32 teams, that produces 1,344 regular-season games. Preseason and playoff games are counted separately.
Why is the NHL moving from 82 to 84 games?
The change is part of the new collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association. At the same time, the preseason is shortened to a maximum of 4 games per team. The NHL describes the change in its report on the shorter preseason.
Which opponents does each team face?
Each team faces its 7 divisional rivals 4 times apiece. Opponents in the other division of the same conference are faced 3 times, and those in the other conference twice. Colorado’s schedule announcement sets out that breakdown for the Central Division.
Why are there 1,344 games across the league?
Multiply 32 teams by 84 games, then divide by 2. Every fixture involves 2 teams and would otherwise be counted twice. The calculation is 32 × 84 ÷ 2 = 1,344.
That is also the total in the NHL’s official schedule announcement.
Is 84 games a new record for one team?
No. Teams also played 84 regular-season games in 1992/93 and 1993/94, as shown in sources including Pittsburgh’s season history. It is a change from the standard used in recent seasons, rather than an unprecedented NHL schedule.
How many playoff games are added?
In the NHL playoffs, winning the Stanley Cup requires winning 4 series and 16 games. Each series is best of 7, so a finalist can play between 16 and 28 playoff games.
That separation matters when comparing players, too. A regular-season statistical total should be compared with other regular-season totals, rather than a combined figure that includes the playoffs.
Follow the NHL schedule. Information applies to 2026/27.