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NHL Scoring Rules

How is the scoring calculated for hockey?

Updated over a week ago
  • Please note that hockey stats are subject to stat corrections more so than other sports. Due to the pace of the game, it is common for an official score keeper at the game to mistakenly credit one player with a shot, assist, goal etc. and then correct their mistake later on after reviewing footage more closely. Unfortunately, this means that live stat totals displayed on entry slips or in boxscores may be subject to change. All stats usually become official within 30 minutes of the game ending.

  • SOG = Shot on Goal. A shot on goal in hockey is defined as as shot attempt that directs the puck towards the net and either goes into the net for a goal or is stopped by the goaltender for a save.

    Note: A shot that is blocked by a defender before reaching the goal, or a shot that misses the goal wide right, wide left, or above the crossbar will not count as a shot on goal. Shots that miss off the pipes or crossbar do not count as SOGs.

  • Goal: In ice hockey, a goal is scored when the puck entirely crosses the goal line between the two goal posts and below the goal crossbar. Shootout goals do NOT count as goals.

  • Assist: an assist is attributed to up to two players of the scoring team who shot, passed or deflected the puck towards the scoring teammate, or touched it in any other way which enabled the goal. This stat includes both primary and secondary assists.

  • Blocked Shots is an official NHL stat scored by the NHL. The official scorer will determine when a defender is credited with a blocked shot.

  • Points are a player's combined total of goals AND assists. For example, a player who finishes a game with 1 goal and 1 assist will be credited with 2 points.

  • PP Points = Power Play Points. These are points (see above) that are earned specifically during a power play. If a player plays in the game, they will be scored normally (not voided) even if (1) they do not participate in their team's power play or (2) there are no power plays for that team in the game.

    NOTE: A player's team must be on the power play in order for points to count as PP Points. If a player is on the team defending the power play (penalty kill) and earns a point, that is a "short handed point" and will not count towards a player's PP Point total.

  • Saves: a goaltender is credited with a save when they prevent a shot by the opponent from entering the net. A shot that that deflects off the pipes or crossbar without being physically touched or altered by the goaltender will not count as a save.

  • Goalie GA = Goalie Goals Against / Goals Allowed: This stat counts the number of goals allowed by a goaltender. Overtime goals and in-game penalty shot goals count towards this statistic. Empty net goals and overtime shootout goals do NOT count as goals allowed.

  • Goalies must start the game.

    • Note: A goalie who does not start will be marked as void.

Correlation Rules

The following stat combinations are not able to be submitted on Chalkboard Picks:

  • Goals PLUS Teammate's Assists, PP Points, Points

  • Assists PLUS Teammate's Goals, Assists, PP Points, Points, First Goal, Last Goal

  • Points PLUS Teammate's Goals, Assists, PP Points, Points, First Goal, Last Goal

  • PP Points PLUS Teammate's Goals, Assists, PP Points, Points, First Goal, Last Goal

  • First Goal PLUS Teammate's Goals, Assists, PP Points, Points, First Goal

  • Last Goal PLUS Teammate's Goals, Assists, PP Points, Points, Last Goal

  • Shots on Goal (SOG) PLUS Opponent's Saves

  • Goals PLUS Opponent's Goals Against, Shutouts

  • Assists PLUS Opponent's Goals Against, Shutouts

  • Goals Against PLUS Opponent's Goals, Assists, PP Points, Points, First Goal, Last Goal

  • Saves PLUS Opponent's Shots on Goal (SOG)

  • Shutouts PLUS Opponent's Goals, Assists, Shutouts, Points, PP Points, First Goal, Last Goal

  • PP Points PLUS Opponent's Goals Against, Shutouts

  • Points PLUS Opponent's Goals Against, Shutouts

  • First Goal PLUS Opponent's Goals Against, Shutouts, First Goal

  • Last Goal PLUS Opponent's Goals Against, Shutouts, Last Goal

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