Of course, we want to know what a point in hockey is – it’s the main stat by which a player is judged. But let’s be honest, it can get a little confusing. What exactly qualifies as a point? Do goals and assists both count? Let’s clear up the confusion!n Award?
What is a point in hockey? The ‘P’ in hockey stats stands for ‘Points.’ A player earns one point for each goal or assist they tally. The term ‘Points’ refers to the cumulative total of all the goals and assists a player racks up.
Goals Vs Assists: Do Both Count as One Point?
Before diving into examples, one question needs answering: do goals and assists each count as one point?
Yes, they do! Both goals and assists are counted as one point each.
Every goal scored in the NHL can have up to two assists – a primary and a secondary assist. Assists are awarded to the last two players on the goal scorer’s team who touched the puck after recovering it from the opposing team before the goal was scored.
In other words, if our team steals the puck, and it gets passed or touched by two different players before a goal is scored, each of those players gets an assist.
A goal can be unassisted or have only one assist attached to it.
Both the goal and each assist count as one point towards the player’s stats. Since up to two assists can be awarded per goal, most players will have more assists than goals.
Does the Leader of Total Points in a Season Get a Special Award?
Stay tuned to find out how the top point scorers are celebrated and recognized in the world of hockey!
Yes, the player with the most points in a year is awarded the prestigious Art Ross Trophy.
Is A Goal Ever Worth More Than An Assist?
There’s one interesting exception! Normally, a goal and an assist are each worth one point.
But what happens if two players are tied with the same number of points in the league standings? Who ranks first, or is it simply a tie?
When two players are tied in points, the player with more goals is ranked higher.
This little detail can make a big difference.
In Wayne Gretzky’s first NHL year, he tied in points with Marcel Dionne, both scoring 137 points.
However, Dionne was awarded the points race win because he had more goals: 53 to Gretzky’s 51.
As a result, Dionne snagged the Art Ross Trophy, and Gretzky had to wait another year to get his name on it.
How Many Points Does A Player Get In An NHL Season?
Point totals vary widely among players who play a full season, due to the different types of players. Some are offensively gifted, while others focus more on defense.
Typically, a full-season player will score between 20 to 100 points. If you can maintain a 40-point pace or higher, you’re in good shape for a contract.
Wayne Gretzky holds the top point season of all time, scoring an incredible 215 points in the 1985-86 season! In fact, he holds 9 of the top 10 point seasons, with Mario Lemieux being the lone exception with 199 points in a season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a goaltender get points?
Yes, goaltenders can and often do get points. If they’re one of the last two players to touch the puck before a goal is scored, they get an assist. Occasionally, goalies have even scored into open nets!
Do players get points for goals scored in overtime?
Yes, players earn points for any goals or assists during the overtime period (but not during the shootout).
Do players get points for shootout goals?
No, players do not receive points for shootout goals. However, they do get points for penalty shots.
