How many games are there in a typical NHL regular season?

The NHL regular season consists of 82 games for each team. This format allows for a balanced schedule where each team faces a variety of opponents throughout the season. The 82-game structure has been established to ensure that teams have ample opportunity to compete for playoff spots while maintaining fan engagement with a large number of games. This system is in place to contribute to the team’s evaluation over a longer period, allowing for adjustments and improvements that can occur as the season progresses.

The other choices do not align with the standard format of the NHL regular season, which has been consistently set at 82 games for several years. This allows for a clear understanding of scheduling and standings critical to fan experience and team performance analysis.