Longest NHL Hockey Game in History
The longest game in NHL history took place on March 24, 1936, between the Detroit Red Wings and the Montreal Maroons. The contest lasted 176 minutes and 30 seconds of overtime, spanning more than one full day of play.
Final Score and Outcome
Detroit defeated Montreal 1–0 in the sixth overtime period. Mud Bruneteau scored the winning goal, ending one of the most grueling contests in professional hockey. The game remains the longest by time in league history.
Why the Game Lasted So Long
The game went to overtime after regulation ended in a 0–0 tie. In 1936, the NHL did not use a penalty shootout, so play continued with sudden-death overtime until a goal was scored. The extended ice time and limited substitutions created extreme physical demands on both teams.
Legacy of the Marathon Match
The 1936 game set the official NHL record for the longest game by duration and is frequently cited in discussions of NHL endurance records. It is also referenced by hockey historians when comparing modern overtime formats with early league rules.
