Hockey is scored by counting the number of goals that each team scores during the game. Here are five supporting facts on how hockey scoring works:
1. Goals: In hockey, a goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line and enters the net. Each time a team scores a goal, they are awarded one point.
2. Assist: When a player contributes to a goal by passing or helping set up the scoring play, they are awarded an assist. Assists do not count as goals, but they are important in recognizing the teamwork involved in scoring.
3. Power Play: A power play occurs when one team has a numerical advantage on the ice due to a penalty by the opposing team. During a power play, if the team with more players scores a goal, it is considered a power play goal and gives them a little extra glory.
4. Overtime: If the game is tied at the end of regulation time, overtime is played to determine a winner. In regular-season NHL games, overtime consists of a five-minute period of sudden death. However, in playoff games, overtime periods can continue until a goal is scored.
5. Shootout: If neither team scores during the overtime period, a shootout occurs. Each team selects a number of players to take penalty shots against the opposing goaltender. The team that scores the most goals in the shootout wins the game.
Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about how hockey is scored:
FAQs:
1. What happens if the puck hits the goalpost or crossbar but does not go in the net?
If the puck hits the goalpost or crossbar but does not completely cross the goal line, it is not considered a goal. The play will continue, and the game will proceed.
2. Can a player score more than one goal in a game?
Yes, a player can score multiple goals in a game. Each goal scored by a player counts as one point towards their individual statistics.
3. How are tie games handled in hockey?
If a regular-season game ends in a tie after regulation time, it proceeds to a five-minute sudden death overtime period. If no goals are scored in overtime, the game is then determined by a shootout.
4. What happens if a team scores on themselves?
If a player accidentally scores on their own net, the goal counts for the opposing team. It is known as an “own goal” and counts as a goal against the team that scored it.
5. Can a team score while shorthanded during a penalty kill?
Yes, a team that is shorthanded due to a penalty can still score a goal while killing the penalty. It is known as a “shorthanded goal” and is a remarkable feat considering they have fewer players on the ice.
6. Do all goals count as one point?
Yes, in hockey, all goals count as one point towards the team’s total score. It doesn’t matter if the goal was scored during regulation time, overtime, or a shootout.
7. How are plus-minus ratings determined in hockey?
The plus-minus rating in hockey is a statistic used to measure a player’s impact on the game. It is calculated by taking the number of goals scored when the player is on the ice and subtracting the number of goals scored against them.
Bottom Line: Hockey scoring is straightforward – goals are counted when the puck completely crosses the goal line and enters the net. However, additional elements like assists, power play goals, overtime, and shootouts add complexity to the scoring system. Understanding these scoring mechanisms enhances the appreciation of the game and the achievements of players and teams.
