Hockey is a fast-paced, high-scoring sport, but understanding how players accumulate points can be tricky for newcomers. This guide will break down the scoring system, explaining how goals and assists contribute to a player's point total, and answer some frequently asked questions.
What are points in hockey?
In hockey, points represent a player's overall offensive contribution to their team. They are tallied based on goals scored and assists made. A goal is worth one point, and an assist is also worth one point. Therefore, a player who scores a goal and gets an assist on another goal in the same game earns two points.
How do hockey players earn goals?
A goal is awarded when the entire puck completely crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar. The player who last made contact with the puck before it crosses the line is credited with the goal. This can be a direct shot, a deflection, or even a lucky bounce, as long as the player was the last to touch it before it entered the net.
How do hockey players earn assists?
Assists are given to players who directly contribute to a goal scored, but didn't score it themselves. There are two types of assists:
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Primary Assist: This is given to the player who made the pass directly to the player who scored the goal. This is the most valuable assist.
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Secondary Assist: This is given to the player who made a pass to the player who then made the primary assist. The secondary assist is less common than a primary one, and only one is given per goal. So if the scoring sequence involved more than two passes, only the two closest players to the goal get an assist.
What is a point-per-game average?
A point-per-game average (PPG) is a common statistic used to assess a player's overall offensive production. It's calculated by dividing a player's total points by the number of games they've played. A higher PPG indicates a more offensively skilled player. For example, a player with 80 points in 80 games has a PPG of 1.0.
What are power-play points?
Power-play points are goals and assists earned while a team has a numerical advantage due to an opposing player being penalized. These points are tracked separately because they demonstrate offensive proficiency while facing less opposition. Power-play success is a key indicator of a team's overall strength.
What are short-handed points?
Conversely, short-handed points are scored by a team while they are shorthanded due to one of their own players receiving a penalty. These points are a remarkable feat of skill and teamwork, showcasing offensive ability during a difficult situation.
How are empty-net goals factored into points?
An empty-net goal is scored when a team scores with the opposing goalie pulled in an attempt to even the score. These goals still count towards the scorer's point total, as well as the team's score.
What is the difference between goals and points?
The difference is that goals only represent goals scored, while points encompass both goals scored and assists. A player can have a high number of points, but a low number of goals if they are a skilled playmaker (a lot of assists, few goals). Conversely, a player can have a high number of goals but fewer overall points if they do not contribute much in terms of assists.
This guide provides a thorough understanding of how hockey players earn points. Understanding the different types of assists and the context in which points are scored adds further depth to appreciating the game and its statistics.
