DEFINITION: Empty net
In hockey, an empty net refers to the situation when the opposing team’s goaltender has been pulled from the ice, leaving the net unguarded. This typically occurs in the late stages of a game when a team is trailing and needs an extra attacker to try and score a goal.
FAQs:
1. Why would a team pull their goaltender and leave the net empty?
– Teams pull their goaltender in favor of an extra attacker when they are trailing late in a game and need to score a goal. By removing the goaltender, they gain an extra skater on the ice, increasing their chances of scoring.
2. What are the risks of pulling the goaltender and having an empty net?
– The main risk of pulling the goaltender is that the opposing team may take advantage of the empty net and easily score a goal. If the trailing team fails to score, they leave themselves vulnerable to a quick counterattack.
3. Can a team pull their goaltender at any time during the game?
– Yes, a team can choose to pull their goaltender at any time, depending on the game situation and the coach’s strategy. However, it is more common to see the goaltender pulled in the final moments of a close game.
4. Can the opposing team score from anywhere on the ice into the empty net?
– Yes, the opposing team can attempt to score from anywhere on the ice when there is an empty net. The absence of a goaltender allows for long shots or even pucks to be cleared down the ice without any interference.
5. Has pulling the goaltender and getting an empty net goal ever turned a game around?
– Yes, pulling the goaltender and scoring a goal into an empty net has turned the tide of many games in the past. However, it is a risky strategy that doesn’t always pay off. The outcome depends on several factors, including the score, time left in the game, and the abilities of the players involved.
