how do players get points in hockey

3 min read 14-12-2024

Meta Description: Learn the intricacies of hockey scoring! This guide explains how players earn points, covering goals, assists, plus/minus, and more. Understand the different ways players contribute to their team's score and climb the leaderboards. Discover the nuances of scoring in hockey and become a more informed fan.

Hockey is a fast-paced, high-scoring sport, but understanding how players accumulate points can be tricky for newcomers. This comprehensive guide breaks down the various ways players earn points and climb the leaderboard. Let's dive in!

Understanding the Basics of Hockey Scoring

The primary ways players earn points in hockey are through goals and assists. These two categories form the foundation of a player's point total.

Goals (1 Point Each)

A goal is awarded to a player when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar. This is the most straightforward way to earn a point. The player who shoots the puck that results in a goal is credited with the goal.

Assists (1 Point Each)

Assists are awarded to players who directly contribute to a goal, but don't actually shoot the puck into the net. There are two types of assists:

Primary Assist: Awarded to the player who makes the last pass directly leading to the goal. This is the most valuable assist.
Secondary Assist: Awarded to the player who makes a pass that leads to the primary assist. This player helped set up the scoring play, but wasn't directly involved in the final pass.

Example: Player A passes to Player B, who then passes to Player C, who scores a goal. Player C gets a goal (1 point), Player B gets a primary assist (1 point), and Player A gets a secondary assist (1 point).

Beyond Goals and Assists: Other Contributing Factors

While goals and assists are the core components of a player's point total, other factors can indirectly contribute to a player's overall impact and team success.

Plus/Minus (+/-)

The plus/minus statistic reflects a player's on-ice performance relative to their team's scoring. It's calculated as follows:

+1: Awarded when a player is on the ice for a goal scored by their team.
-1: Awarded when a player is on the ice for a goal scored by the opposing team.

A player's plus/minus can fluctuate significantly throughout a game. A high plus/minus suggests the player is contributing positively when on the ice, while a low plus/minus might indicate they're struggling defensively.

Power Play Points

Power play points are goals and assists earned while a team has a numerical advantage due to an opponent's penalty. These points are often tracked separately to highlight a player's effectiveness during these key moments. Power play success is a crucial aspect of a team's offense.

Short-Handed Points

Conversely, short-handed points are goals and assists earned when a team is shorthanded—meaning they have fewer players on the ice due to a penalty. These are particularly impressive feats, showcasing a team's offensive prowess despite being at a disadvantage.

Game-Winning Goals

A game-winning goal is scored by the player who scores the final goal that decides the outcome of a game. While it doesn't provide extra points in the traditional sense, it's a significant achievement often recognized separately in statistical tracking.

How are Points Used in Hockey Rankings?

Point totals are used extensively to rank players within a team and across leagues. Players with higher point totals are generally considered more offensively skilled and valuable to their team. These totals influence awards, player contracts, and team strategies.

How are points displayed?

You'll often see a player's points displayed like this: Goals-Assists-Points. For example: 20-30-50 indicates 20 goals, 30 assists, and a total of 50 points.

Conclusion: Understanding Hockey Point Systems

Understanding how players earn points in hockey goes beyond simply counting goals. Factors like assists, plus/minus, power play contributions, and even game-winning goals all contribute to a player's overall value. By understanding these nuances, you'll become a far more knowledgeable and appreciative hockey fan.