How to nhl points work

Understanding NHL Points: A Comprehensive Guide

Overview

In the National Hockey League (NHL), the concept of 'points' is fundamental to understanding player performance and team success. Points are the primary offensive statistic used to measure a player's contribution to their team's scoring efforts. They are awarded for scoring goals and for assisting on goals scored by teammates. This system not only highlights individual offensive prowess but also plays a critical role in determining league awards, such as the Art Ross Trophy for the leading scorer, and influences playoff seeding.

How Points Are Awarded

The scoring system in the NHL is straightforward but has nuances that are important to grasp. Each goal scored by a team results in points being awarded to the players involved in the play.

Goals

The player who directly shoots the puck into the opponent's net and scores a goal is credited with one (1) point. This is the most direct way a player can earn an offensive point.

Assists

An assist is awarded to the player or players who pass the puck to the goal-scorer immediately before the goal is scored. There are two types of assists:

• Primary Assist: This is awarded to the player who makes the final pass to the goal-scorer.
• Secondary Assist: This is awarded to the player who made the pass immediately before the primary assist pass.

Each player who receives an assist (primary or secondary) is credited with one (1) point. Crucially, a maximum of two assists can be awarded on any single goal. This means that even if three or more passes contributed to the goal, only the players making the last two passes will receive credit for an assist.

Example Scenario

Let's illustrate with an example. Player A is skating with the puck and passes it to Player B, who is in a good scoring position. Player B then passes the puck to Player C, who shoots and scores a goal. In this scenario:

• Player C (the goal-scorer) receives 1 point.
• Player B (who made the pass directly to Player C) receives 1 primary assist point.
• Player A (who made the pass to Player B) receives 1 secondary assist point.

In total, three players earned points on this single goal, with Player C having a goal and two assists, accumulating 3 points in this play.

Special Cases and Exceptions

While the general rule of one point per goal and one point per assist is consistent, there are a few special circumstances:

• Own Goals: If a defending player accidentally puts the puck into their own net, the goal is credited to the last offensive player to touch the puck. That offensive player receives the goal (and thus 1 point), and any assists are awarded as if it were a regular goal.
• Delayed Penalties: If a penalty is called but the offending team does not have possession of the puck, play continues until the non-offending team touches the puck. If the non-offending team scores during this delayed penalty, the goal counts, and points are awarded as usual. The penalty is then nullified.
• Shootouts: Goals scored in a shootout do not count towards a player's regular season point total. They only count towards the game's outcome.

Significance of Points

Player points are more than just statistics; they are a key indicator of offensive impact. High point totals often correlate with a player's value to their team and their standing among the league's elite. The NHL's leading scorer at the end of the regular season is awarded the Art Ross Trophy, and the player with the most goals wins the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy. Furthermore, a player's point production can influence their contract negotiations, All-Star selections, and end-of-season awards like the Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP).

Team Standings

While individual points are vital for players, they also indirectly contribute to a team's success. Teams with players who accumulate a high number of points are generally more successful offensively, which often translates into more wins and a higher standing in the league. The NHL standings are primarily determined by points earned in games (2 for a win, 1 for an overtime/shootout loss, 0 for a regulation loss), but a strong offensive core, measured by individual points, is crucial for achieving those wins.

Conclusion

Understanding how NHL points work is essential for any fan wanting to appreciate the intricacies of the game. It's a system that rewards offensive contributions, highlighting the players who consistently find the back of the net or set up their teammates for success. By tracking goals and assists, the NHL provides a clear and compelling metric for measuring individual offensive performance.