Yes, it is possible to score in the crease in hockey. The crease, also known as the goal crease or the goalie’s crease, is a designated area in front of the net where only the goaltender is allowed. While offensive players are generally not allowed to enter the crease, there are a few situations where they can score while being in or around the crease.
FAQs:
1. Can a player score while standing in the crease?
Yes, a player can score a goal as long as they do not interfere with the goaltender’s ability to make a save. If a player is standing in the crease and doesn’t impede the goalie or make contact with them, the goal will usually be counted.
2. Are offensive players allowed to enter the goalie’s crease?
Typically, offensive players are not allowed to enter the goalie’s crease. However, if a player is pushed or impelled by a defending player into the crease and manages to score, the goal would still count.
3. Can a goal be disallowed if a player is in the crease?
Yes, goals can be disallowed if offensive players are found to have interfered with the goaltender’s ability to make a save while in the crease. Referees have the discretion to waive off goals if they determine there was interference.
4. Do deflections from players in the crease count as goals?
If a deflection off a player’s body or stick in the crease results in a goal, it may still be counted as long as the player didn’t interfere with the goaltender. However, this can vary depending on the specific rules of the league or competition.
5. Can goalies make saves on shots taken from the crease?
Yes, goaltenders are allowed to make saves on shots taken from the crease. They have the same opportunity to stop these shots as they do for shots taken elsewhere on the ice.
6. What happens if a defensive player enters the crease?
If a defensive player enters the crease and interferes with the offensive player or goaltender, penalties such as interference may be called. The goal may be disallowed if the interference affected the outcome of the play.
7. Can a puck cross the goal line if it hits a player in the crease?
Yes, if a puck hits a player in the crease and crosses the goal line with no interference or goaltender contact, the goal would typically be allowed.
BOTTOM LINE: Scoring in the crease is allowed in hockey as long as the offensive player does not interfere with the goaltender. However, referees have the authority to disallow goals if there is interference or if the player in the crease affected the outcome of the play. Goaltenders also have the ability to make saves on shots taken from the crease.
