In hockey, PIM stands for Penalty Minutes. It refers to the amount of time a player spends in the penalty box as a result of being penalized for an infraction during a game.
FAQs:
1. What types of infractions can result in penalty minutes in hockey?
– Infractions such as slashing, tripping, cross-checking, fighting, and too many players on the ice can result in penalty minutes.
2. How long do players typically spend in the penalty box for each infraction?
– The length of time spent in the penalty box varies depending on the severity of the infraction. Minor penalties usually result in two minutes in the box, while major penalties can result in five minutes or even a game misconduct.
3. Do penalty minutes affect the team’s performance?
– Yes, penalty minutes can have a significant impact on a team’s performance. When a player is in the penalty box, their team is shorthanded and has to play with fewer players on the ice, making it harder to score goals and defend against the opposing team’s attacks.
4. Are penalty minutes tracked individually for each player?
– Yes, penalty minutes are tracked individually for each player. These statistics are recorded and used to assess a player’s discipline and behavior on the ice.
5. Do penalty minutes have any implications beyond the game?
– Penalty minutes do not have any direct implications beyond the game itself. However, players who accumulate a high number of penalty minutes over multiple games may develop a reputation for being undisciplined, which can affect their standing within the league.
6. Can a team score goals while shorthanded due to penalty minutes?
– Yes, a team can score goals while shorthanded. In fact, scoring a goal while shorthanded is often seen as an impressive feat and can provide a boost to the penalized team’s morale.
7. Can penalties be served by players who were not involved in the infraction?
– Yes, penalties can be served by players who were not directly involved in the infraction. This is known as a “served by” penalty, where another player from the same team serves the time in the penalty box for the penalized player.
BOTTOM LINE: Penalty minutes or PIM in hockey refer to the time spent by a player in the penalty box due to infractions during a game. They can impact a team’s performance by leaving them shorthanded and can be an indicator of a player’s discipline on the ice.
