The NHL season is divided into two parts. One is the regular season scheduled according to a schedule, and the four-game winning four-game playoffs in the elimination system. The team that won the final round in the playoffs wins Stanley. cup.

In the regular season, each team will play 82 games; 41 games at home, 41 away games. From the regular season of 2005-2006 season, each team will play 24 games with the teams in the division, 40 games with different divisions in the same league NHL Coins, 18 games across the West or East league (all teams with different ministries Conduct at least one game).

Each year, two divisions across the West or East Union will take turns, similar to the cross-league game of Major League Baseball. Each game will accumulate points, winning teams get two points, teams that lose in overtime have one point, teams that lose at regular time will not have points. Among the four professional sports in North America, the NHL is the only league that gives points for losing teams in overtime.