I remember my first time at a live hockey game like it was yesterday. The energy in the arena was electric, the crowd was on their feet, and I had no idea what was going on.
Sure, I knew the basics—puck, stick, net, goal—but I couldn’t wrap my head around how the teams scored points. Was it just about the goals? Was there more to it?
Little did I know, hockey is full of nuances, and those “points” are the secret to understanding the game in all its fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled glory.
If you’re anything like me when I first started watching hockey, you probably have one burning question: How do points work in hockey? Well, I’m here to break it down for you, step by step, and maybe throw in some fun facts to make it stick.
Whether you’re a newbie or just need a refresher, this guide will give you everything you need to understand how players rack up points and why those points matter so much. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel like you’ve been following hockey your whole life!
What Counts as a Point in Hockey?
So, let’s get to the basics. A point in hockey is usually credited when a player directly contributes to a goal being scored. That could mean scoring the goal themselves (which is the most obvious way) or assisting in setting up the goal.
Goals: If a player shoots the puck into the net and it’s counted as a legitimate goal, they get a point for that goal. Simple, right? Well, not always. There are rules about whether the goal is legit, like if it was tipped by another player, but we’ll get to that later.
Assists: If a player helps set up a goal by passing the puck to the player who scores, they’re credited with an assist. In fact, a goal can have up to two assists—one for the player who made the primary pass (the first assist) and one for the player who made the secondary pass (the second assist). So, a single goal could give up to three players a point!
Here’s the kicker: these points (goals and assists) are what players build up throughout the season. At the end of the year, the player with the most points is often crowned the top scorer, and they usually walk away with some serious bragging rights.
What’s the Difference Between a Goal and an Assist?
Let’s dig a little deeper into the difference between a goal and an assist. While both are ways to earn points in hockey, they’re not always as straightforward as you might think.
A goal, as we’ve already established, is when a player sends the puck into the opposing team’s net. However, for a goal to count, it has to pass completely over the goal line. No bouncing off the post, no half-goals. Just like a touchdown in football, a goal in hockey has to be a clear score.
An assist, on the other hand, is awarded to a player who helps set up the goal. This could be as simple as a perfect pass or as intricate as a series of moves leading up to the goal.
For example, if Player A passes the puck to Player B, who then makes a pass to Player C, and Player C scores, both Player A and Player B would get assists. These little plays are what make hockey so dynamic!
So, the next time you watch a game, keep an eye on those assists. They’re often as crucial as the goals themselves and are a big part of why a team’s offense works so well together.
What’s a Hat Trick and How Does it Affect Points?
Okay, here’s where things get really exciting. Have you ever heard the term hat trick? In hockey, it’s not just a fun phrase—it’s a big deal! A hat trick happens when a player scores three goals in a single game.
It’s a rare and impressive achievement, and when a player does it, the crowd goes wild (sometimes literally throwing hats onto the ice in celebration).
But, what does a hat trick mean for the player’s points? Well, for a player who scores a hat trick, they’re adding three points to their total—one for each goal. If they also have any assists, those count too, boosting their point total even more.
So, in one game, a player could rack up four or even five points with a combination of goals and assists. Imagine that!
How Are Points Tracked Over the Season?
In the NHL, players’ points are tracked and accumulated over the course of the season. The more points a player has, the higher their ranking in the league’s scoring race.
For example, the player who finishes the season with the most points gets to wear the coveted Art Ross Trophy.
Points aren’t just for individual glory, though. Teams also keep track of their players’ points because, at the end of the season, the team with the most points from all their games advances to the playoffs.
In a nutshell, points help determine not only individual achievements but also whether a team has the momentum to take on the best of the best come playoff time.
How Do Power Plays Affect Points?
Let’s talk about power plays, because they often lead to more goals and, as a result, more points. A power play happens when one team has a player advantage due to an opposing player being penalized.
For example, if a player gets a two-minute minor penalty, the team they’re penalized on is short one player for that time. This can open up opportunities for the team with more players to score.
During a power play, goals tend to come more easily because the team with the advantage has more room to work with.
This creates more opportunities for assists, allowing more players to score points. A power play can really change the dynamic of a game, which is why teams practice power play strategies so much.
FAQ: How Do Points Work in Hockey?
1. How are assists awarded in hockey?
Assists are given when a player helps set up a goal. There can be up to two assists per goal—one for the primary assist (the first pass) and one for the secondary assist (the pass that led to the first pass).
2. Does the number of assists affect a player’s point total?
Yes, every assist counts toward a player’s point total. For example, if a player scores a goal and also earns two assists in a game, they’ve racked up three points for that game.
3. What is the difference between a goal and a point in hockey?
A goal is a direct way to score, while a point is a broader measure of a player’s contributions, which can include goals and assists combined. So, a player who scores a goal and earns two assists has accumulated three points.
4. Can a player get points without scoring a goal?
Absolutely! A player can earn points solely through assists. If they assist on two goals, they get two points, even though they didn’t score any goals themselves.
The Bottom Line: Points = Glory!
Points in hockey might seem like a small part of the action, but they’re everything. They’re what drive players to push harder, teams to work together, and fans to keep coming back for more. Whether it’s a sweet assist or a jaw-dropping hat trick, points are the currency of hockey, and they make the game the thrilling, fast-paced experience that it is.
So, the next time you’re watching a game, remember—it’s not just about the goals. It’s about those beautiful assists, those clutch moments, and the overall teamwork that add up to points. And with every point, the drama, excitement, and stakes get even higher. Keep your eyes on the scoreboard—this game’s got a lot of points to play for!
