Do Shootout Goals Count as Goals in Hockey?

Shootout goals count as goals in hockey for several reasons. Here are 5 supporting facts:

1. Official NHL Rules: According to the National Hockey League (NHL) rulebook, shootout goals are counted as goals. The rulebook states that shootout goals are credited to the player who scores, and they count towards the team’s and the player’s stats.

2. Game-Winning Goals: Shootout goals can be game-winning goals, which are an important statistic in hockey. If a team wins a game in a shootout, the goal that sealed the victory is considered a game-winning goal and is credited to the player who scored it.

3. Individual Player Statistics: Shootout goals contribute to a player’s individual goal total for the season. Players are often evaluated based on their goal-scoring abilities, and shootout goals are included in their overall goal tally.

4. Team Performance: Shootout goals affect a team’s overall performance and standings. In the NHL, teams earn points for wins and shootout wins. Each shootout goal scored adds to the team’s total goals for the season, which can impact their positioning in the standings.

5. Exciting Moments: Shootout goals are often accompanied by excitement and are a thrilling aspect of the game for both players and fans. Counting shootout goals as goals adds to the overall enjoyment and entertainment value of hockey.

Here are 7 detailed FAQs and answers related to the question:

1. Are shootout goals counted differently than regular goals?
No, shootout goals are counted the same way as regular goals. They contribute to a player’s overall goal tally and team statistics.

2. Do shootout goals have any impact on a player’s points total?
No, shootout goals do not count towards a player’s points total. Points in hockey come from goals and assists recorded during regular gameplay.

3. Can a player have more shootout goals than regular goals in a season?
Yes, it is possible for a player to have more shootout goals than regular goals in a season. Shootout goals are a separate category and do not rely on regular gameplay opportunities.

4. Do shootout goals affect a player’s shooting percentage?
Shootout goals do not affect a player’s shooting percentage, as it is calculated based on shots taken during regular gameplay.

5. Can a team win a game solely on shootout goals?
Yes, a team can win a game solely through shootout goals. If both teams remain tied at the end of overtime, the game proceeds to a shootout to determine the winner.

6. Do shootout goals have any impact on a team’s goal differential?
Yes, shootout goals contribute to a team’s overall goal differential. They are added to the team’s total goals scored for the season, which affects their goal difference.

7. Are shootout goals equally valued as regular goals?
In terms of statistics, they are counted the same way, but regular goals achieved during gameplay are generally considered more valuable and impactful to a team’s success.

BOTTOM LINE: Shootout goals count as goals in hockey. They contribute to a player’s goal total, team statistics, and can be game-winning goals. While shootout goals are exciting and add to the entertainment value of the game, they have different significance compared to regular goals scored during gameplay.