Last Updated on January 14, 2022 by
When the puck crosses the goal line below the goal crossbar and between the two goal posts, then a goal is scored in the game of ice hockey. A team has a point after successfully scoring a goal or after the puck crosses the goal line of the opposing team. In a typical ice hockey game, you’ll see goaltenders trying to block shots from attacking players trying to score as they shoot the puck with their sticks towards the goal net opening.
In this article, we’ll be talking about the ice hockey scoring system. That’s not all. We’ve also prepared a list of frequently asked questions and answers to help you understand the scoring system of ice hockey. So, if you’re here looking to know the ice hockey scoring system, then you’re at the right place. There are different varieties of goals and for each type of goal scored, different statistics are recorded. By the way, they all count equally.
Ice Hockey Scoring System
1. An even-strength goal is the type of goal scored in an ice hockey game where both teams have an equal number of players on the rink.
2. A power-play goal otherwise known as “PPG” is a type of goal scored when a team is in a power play. It happens when a team has a numerical advantage in players due to a penalty being performed by one or more of the opposition players.
3. A shorthanded goal otherwise known as “SHG” is a type of goal scored by a team on the penalty kill. It happens when a team has a numerical disadvantage due to a penalty being performed by one or more of its players.
4. An empty-net goal otherwise known as “ENG” is a type of goal scored when the goalkeeper isn’t at goal guarding the net. So, the goal is scored freely without anyone trying to stop it.
5. A penalty shot goal is another type of goal scored on a plain penalty shot. It happens when a single offensive player has a one-on-one confrontation with the goaltender as a result of a penalty.
6. An awarded goal is any type of goal awarded when a goaltender has been pulled out of the goal and then a foul happens to stop a triggered penalty shot.
7. An own goal happens when a player scores in his own net by putting the puck across his team’s goal line. In ice hockey, the goal credit will be given to the last opponent to touch the puck.
8. An overtime goal is a type of goal scored when the puck crosses the goal line during sudden-death overtime.
9. A go-ahead goal is the first goal to be scored after the game has been tied between the two teams.
10. An equalizer is a type of goal scored to tie a game. It is normally scored by a team that’s one goal down.
11. A game-winning goal otherwise known as “GWG” is the type of goal scored to put a team in a winning position.
Teams In Ice Hockey

Each team has six in-field players who are allowed to be on the ice at a time. But a full team consists of 20 players with two goaltenders. Besides, ice hockey allows for substitution at any point in the game.
Match Officials In Ice Hockey Games
The game of ice hockey is controlled by a referee who decides on any matter at any point in the game. The referee usually wears a red armband and he’s assisted by linemen, whose job is to monitor offside. The referee is also assisted by goal judges whose job is to see whether or not the puck has crossed the goal line.
Penalties In Ice Hockey
There are two major types of penalties in the game of ice hockey, and they include major and minor penalties. A major penalty is given when there’s an occurrence of more serious physical contact such as fighting. Offending players of a major penalty are normally sent off the rink permanently. However, minor penalties only result in an offending player being withdrawn from the rink for 2 minutes.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you understand the ice hockey scoring system. Let’s go through them!
What Is It Called When Mg Score 4 Goals In Hockey?
In a game of hockey game, scoring four goals happen less frequently than a hat trick. However, if a player scores four goals in a single game, then it is normally referred to as a “Texas hat trick”. How this lingo originated isn’t really clear as it is less commonly used than a normal hat trick.
What Are The 3 Scores In Ice Hockey?
If you’re a devoted fan of ice hockey, you’ll notice there are 3 numbers close to an NHL team’s name or logo. These 3 numbers refer to the team’s “Wins-Regulation Losses-Overtime Losses” record in the league. The separation of regulation and overtime losses are due to their value in the standings. Overtime losses earn teams a point while regulation losses earn them 0 points.
How Is The Scoring Done In Ice Hockey?
In ice hockey, scoring is done by putting the puck across the goal line, under the crossbar of the goal between the posts. Before each period expires, the puck must have crossed the goal line irrespective of when the shot was taken. If the goal is moved at any point during the game, a goal can’t be scored. Any goal scored will be disallowed.
Closing Thoughts
A goal is scored in the game of ice hockey when the puck crosses the goal line below the goal crossbar and between the two goalposts. A team will be rewarded with a point after successfully scoring a goal or after the puck crosses the goal line of the opposing team. We’ve reached the closing chapter of this informative article. We hope you were able to find good and reliable resources in your quest to know the ice hockey scoring system. If you have any questions or comments about the article topic, don’t hesitate to contact us. Thanks!