In hockey, teams earn points based on their performance in games. Points are awarded for winning games in regulation time, losing games in overtime or shootout, and tying games in regulation time. Here are five facts explaining how teams earn points in hockey:
1. Regulation Win: A team earns two points for winning a game in regulation time, which is typically three 20-minute periods. If a team manages to defeat their opponent before the game goes into overtime or shootout, they are awarded these two points.
2. Overtime or Shootout Loss: If a game ends in a tie after regulation time, teams proceed to play a five-minute sudden-death overtime period. If no team scores during overtime, the game goes into a shootout. If a team loses during overtime or shootout, they still receive one point for their efforts.
3. Ties: In the past, ties were common in hockey. However, since the 2005-2006 season, the NHL implemented a rule change that eliminated ties during regular-season games. Instead, if the game is tied at the end of regulation time, it proceeds to overtime and then a shootout if necessary.
4. Overtime Win: If a team wins the game during the overtime period, they are awarded two points. This includes both goals scored during the five-minute overtime period and goals scored during the subsequent shootout to determine the winner.
5. Shootout Win: If the game is still tied after the overtime period, a shootout takes place to determine the winner. The team that wins the shootout earns two points, while the losing team still receives one point for reaching the shootout.
FAQs:
Q1: Can a team earn points for a tie in regulation time?
A1: No, since the 2005-2006 season, ties during regular-season games have been eliminated in favor of overtime and shootouts.
Q2: How many points does a team earn for winning in regulation time?
A2: A team earns two points for winning a game in regulation time.
Q3: What happens if a game is still tied after overtime?
A3: If a game is tied after the five-minute overtime period, it proceeds to a shootout.
Q4: Can both teams earn points in a shootout?
A4: No, only the winning team earns two points, while the losing team receives one point.
Q5: Do points earned during overtime or shootout count towards a player’s individual statistics?
A5: No, points earned during overtime or shootout do not count towards a player’s personal statistics, including goals and assists.
Q6: How many points does a team earn for losing in overtime or shootout?
A6: A team receives one point for losing in either overtime or shootout.
Q7: Are points awarded differently in playoff games?
A7: Yes, in playoff games, there are no shootouts. Instead, teams play multiple overtime periods until one team scores, and the winning team receives two points.
BOTTOM LINE:
Teams in hockey earn points based on their performance in games. They receive two points for winning in regulation time, two points for winning in overtime, and one point for losing in overtime or shootout. While ties during regulation time are no longer allowed in regular-season games, teams still receive one point for tying the game at the end of regulation.
