The NHL, like other professional hockey leagues such as the European Leagues and the AHL, has 60 minutes of playing time. The game is broken into three 20-minute segments. The first and second periods are separated by a 17-minute interval. If the game is tied, there is an additional 5-minute overtime period. If the score remains tied after overtime, a shootout determines who wins. In Europe, games usually last 35 minutes with 10-minute breaks between each period. In North America, the third period is often shortened to 3-4 minutes because fans want to see more action on the ice. During the regular season, there are two games per day, with a few exceptions (such as Christmas Day). Most teams play at least 42 games and some go as many as 48 or 49. The longest game in history was played by the Portland Winter Hawks and Boston Bruins on March 13, 1960. It lasted 16 hours & 46 minutes - an average of about 3 hours and 50 minutes per game. The winner was determined by a shoot-out after both teams were tied 4-4. The average salary for an AHL player is $60,000. A few players make more than this, while others make much less. The best way to learn more about the league is to watch several games.