An NHL player can get a lot done in 56 games. Pittsburgh Penguins rookie defenseman John Marino earned a long-term contract extension in 56 games last season. Anaheim Ducks star Ryan Getzlaf tallied 61 points in 56 games in the 2017-18 season.
The NHL's 2020-21 regular season has been shortened to 56 games due to its late start date (Jan. 13) and the impact COVID-19 has had on travel and attendance. It's the shortest regular season since 2012-13, which was whittled down to 48 games after the owners locked out the players.