A typical hockey game consists of three periods, each lasting 20 minutes, for a total of 60 minutes of actual playtime

. Between the periods, there are two intermissions, usually around 15 to 18 minutes each, which allow players to rest and the ice to be resurfaced

. Including intermissions, stoppages (such as penalties, goals, and TV timeouts), and commercial breaks, the total duration of a professional hockey game like those in the NHL usually ranges from about 2.5 to 3 hours

. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, overtime is played. In the NHL regular season, this is a 5-minute sudden-death period, followed by a shootout if no one scores in overtime, which can add a few more minutes to the game length

. In the playoffs, overtime periods are 20 minutes long and continue until a team scores, which can significantly extend the game's duration

. In summary:

• Regulation time: 60 minutes (3 periods × 20 minutes)
• Intermissions: About 15-18 minutes × 2
• Total game time including breaks: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
• Overtime (if needed): 5 minutes (regular season) or multiple 20-minute periods (playoffs), plus possible shootout

This structure applies to NHL games as well as other professional leagues like AHL and ECHL