Can a Hockey Game Tie?

Yes, a hockey game can end in a tie. However, in professional leagues such as the National Hockey League (NHL), ties are not common anymore. Here are some frequently asked questions related to hockey games ending in a tie:

1. How did ties occur in hockey games?
In the past, ties occurred when both teams ended the game with an equal number of goals after regulation time and overtime.

2. Why are ties less common now?
To avoid ties and bring more excitement to the game, the NHL introduced the shootout rule, where each team gets three attempts to score in a one-on-one situation against the opposing goalie. If a tie still remains after the shootout, it goes down as a “tiebreaker loss.”

3. When was the NHL shootout rule introduced?
The shootout rule was introduced in the NHL in the 2005-2006 season following the lockout that canceled the previous season.

4. Are there any other sports where ties are common?
Soccer, also known as football in many countries, is another sport where ties occur frequently. In soccer, ties are common because scores are generally lower, and the game ends in a draw if no team can win within regulation time and extra time.

5. Can ties still occur in other hockey leagues?
Yes, ties can still occur in lower-level leagues, international competitions, and college hockey, where some leagues may not adopt the shootout format.

6. How do ties impact the standings?
In the NHL, before the shootout rule, ties resulted in both teams receiving one point each. This often complicated the standings. Now, teams receive two points for a win, one point for an overtime or shootout loss, and no points for a regulation loss.

7. Is there any possibility of ties returning in the future?
Although unlikely, it is not completely impossible. If the NHL decides to change its rules again or experiment with alternative formats, ties may make a comeback.

BOTTOM LINE: While it is possible for a hockey game to end in a tie, it is now rare in professional leagues like the NHL due to the implementation of the shootout rule. Ties are more common in other hockey leagues and sports like soccer, though ties in hockey can still occur in specific situations or if the rules change in the future.