As the tension of a tied game builds and the final seconds tick away, hockey shootout bring an electrifying climax to the ice. When regulation and overtime can’t break the deadlock, a shootout is the thrilling decider. Dive into the rules of hockey shootouts and uncover answers to frequently asked questions, so the next time you’re glued to a shootout, you’ll know exactly what’s happening.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What Is a Shootout in Hockey?
- How Does a Hockey Shootout Work?
- When Does a Shootout Happen in Hockey?
- How Often Do NHL Games Go to Shootout?
- Hockey Shootout Rules
- FAQs About Hockey Shootouts
What Is a Shootout in Hockey?
A shootout is the ultimate tie-breaker in ice hockey, used when neither regulation time nor overtime can determine a winner. During a shootout, each team picks three players to take turns at penalty shots, aiming to outscore their opponents. The shootout continues until a clear winner emerges. If both teams are still tied after the initial three shots, it moves to a sudden-death format, with each team sending out one shooter at a time until a goal decides the game.
Shootouts offer an intense finale, showcasing players’ individual skills as they try to outwit goalies with dekes or quick shots. Meanwhile, goalies put on a show of their own, making incredible saves to keep their teams in contention.
How Does a Hockey Shootout Work?
The NHL follows a specific and thrilling procedure for shootouts. Here’s what happens in each shootout:
- Each team’s coach selects three shooters to take turns attempting to score.
- Players currently serving a penalty are ineligible.
- The home team has the advantage of deciding whether to shoot first or second.
- The order of attempts alternates between teams.
- The puck is played from center ice.
- Goalies defend the net at the end of the ice closest to their bench.
- If there’s no winner after all six shots (three from each side), the shootout goes to sudden death, where the first team to score wins.
So, the next time you witness a shootout, you’ll have a front-row seat to one of hockey’s most dramatic moments, knowing all the ins and outs of this exhilarating spectacle.
When Does a Shootout Happen in Hockey?
The shootout adds an electrifying end to a match, avoiding extended periods that could exhaust players or risk injury.
The Overtime Period
Before we get to the shootout, there’s the nail-biting overtime period. If the score is tied after three intense 20-minute periods, teams dive into a 5-minute sudden-death overtime, each with 3 skaters (excluding goalies).
Initiating a Shootout
When the 5-minute overtime in regular-season NHL games (or similar leagues) ends without a goal, it’s officially shootout time! Coaches hand over their list of 3 shooters, each taking turns to face off against the opposing goalie in an exhilarating duel.
How Often Do NHL Games Go to Shootout?
The frequency of shootouts can vary each season due to rule changes or team strategies. According to Hockey-Reference.com, in the 2018-19 NHL regular season, 138 games extended beyond regulation. Out of those, 62 led to a shootout – that’s roughly 45% of all overtime games. This number has danced around over the years:
- 2017-18 Season: Out of 136 overtime games, 68 (50%) resulted in a shootout.
- 2016-17 Season: Out of 149 overtime games, just 55 (37%) went to a shootout.
- 2015-16 Season: Of 168 overtime matches, exactly half (84) ended in a shootout battle.
So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, the possibility of a shootout adds an extra layer of excitement to every game!
Hockey Shootout Rules
Understanding the regulation rules will help you appreciate this thrilling part of the game even more.
- Number of Shooters: Each team selects 3 players to participate in the shootout. If the score remains tied after all shots, additional rounds with one shooter per team are held until someone scores.
- Order of Shooters: The home team chooses whether to shoot first or second. Teams alternate taking shots to keep the excitement building.
- Puck Placement: The puck starts at center ice before each attempt. Players can move toward the goal but can’t backtrack after touching the puck.
- No Rebounds Allowed: Only one shot attempt per player is allowed – no rebounds!
- Fair Play: Players must stay on their benches during the shootout. No one can take a second shot until all eligible players have had their turn, ensuring fair play for both teams.
- Goalie Restrictions: Goalies cannot throw their stick or any equipment at the shooter. Doing so results in an automatic goal for the opposing team.
- Determining a Winner: The team with more successful shots after 3 rounds (or additional sudden-death rounds, if needed) wins the shootout and earns an extra point in the standings.
FAQs About Hockey Shootout
Is there a shootout in playoff hockey?
No, there isn’t. Playoff games tied after regulation continue with sudden-death overtime until a winner is found.
Why is there no shootout in playoff hockey?
Shootouts are left out of playoff hockey because it’s believed that crucial games should be decided by regular gameplay, ensuring that every aspect of team play matters in advancing or winning championships.
When does the NHL go to a shootout?
Hockey goes to a shootout during regular season NHL games when the game is tied after the overtime period. Each team gets 3 shootout attempts, and if still tied, it continues as sudden-death.
How does a shootout work in the NHL?
Each team selects one shooter per round for 3 rounds to take an unopposed shot on goal. The team with more successful attempts wins. If tied, sudden death rounds continue until a winner emerges.
Does a shootout win count as a win?
Yes, a shootout win counts as 2 points in NHL standings, the same as any victory. However, regulation and overtime wins are given more weight in playoff seeding and qualification scenarios.
What is the longest NHL shootout ever?
The longest shootout saw the Panthers and Capitals face off in a 20-round marathon, with Florida emerging victorious thanks to Nick Bjugstad’s winning goal against Braden Holtby.
