A penalty shot in hockey is awarded to a player when a defending player commits a penalty that prevents a clear scoring opportunity. Here are five supporting facts about what causes a penalty shot in hockey:
1. Foul in the defensive zone: If a defending player commits a foul inside their team’s defensive zone, resulting in a clear scoring opportunity being lost, a penalty shot may be awarded. Common fouls that can lead to a penalty shot include hooking, slashing, tripping, or holding an opponent.
2. Player interference: If a player on defense illegally prevents an offensive player from receiving a pass or making an offensive play, causing a clear scoring chance to be disrupted, a penalty shot can be given. Interference can include body checking or obstructing the path of an opponent without possessing the puck.
3. Deliberate foul to prevent a breakaway: If a player commits a deliberate foul when the opposing player is on a clear breakaway towards the goal, a penalty shot will be awarded. This prevents the defending team from unfair advantage by purposefully impeding the attacking player.
4. Throwing a stick: If a defensive player throws their stick to intentionally disrupt a player with the puck or prevent a scoring opportunity, a penalty shot can be called. This act is considered a dangerous play and can result in a penalty shot being awarded to the opposing team.
5. Illegal goalie equipment: If the goaltender in hockey wears illegal equipment, such as a larger catching glove or a stick with non-regulation measurements, a penalty shot may be awarded to the opposing team. This ensures fair play and prevents goalies from gaining an unfair advantage.
FAQs:
1. Can a penalty shot be awarded for any infringement?
No, a penalty shot is only awarded for fouls or infractions that directly result in a clear scoring opportunity being denied. Minor infractions or non-scoring related fouls may result in regular penalties, but not penalty shots.
2. Is a penalty shot always successful?
No, just like any other goal-scoring attempt, penalty shots can be saved or missed by the player. However, penalty shots do provide an advantageous one-on-one opportunity for the attacking player, increasing their chances of scoring.
3. How is a penalty shot taken?
During a penalty shot, the attacking player starts from the center faceoff circle and has a free attempt at the goaltender without any defenders. They can start with the puck in motion or stationary as per the player’s preference.
4. Can the goaltender leave the crease during a penalty shot?
Yes, the goaltender is allowed to come out of their crease during a penalty shot. They can challenge the attacking player and try to make a save by cutting off angles.
5. How many penalty shots can a team get in a game?
The number of penalty shots a team can receive in a game is not limited. Each awarded penalty shot is a result of a specific foul or penalty committed by the defending team.
6. Can a penalty shot be awarded in overtime?
Yes, penalty shots can be awarded in overtime if the opposing team commits a foul that satisfies the criteria for a penalty shot, preventing a clear scoring opportunity.
7. Can a penalty shot be taken during a shootout?
No, penalty shots and shootouts are separate concepts in hockey. Penalty shots occur within the flow of a regular game, while shootouts are a tie-breaking method used in certain situations to determine a winner after overtime.
BOTTOM LINE:
A penalty shot in hockey is awarded when a defending player commits a foul that denies a clear scoring opportunity. Various infractions, such as fouls in the defensive zone, interference, deliberate fouls to prevent a breakaway, throwing a stick, and wearing illegal goalie equipment, can lead to a penalty shot. Penalty shots provide the attacking player with an advantageous one-on-one opportunity against the goaltender to score a goal.
