Penalty shot (ice hockey)
A free scoring attempt awarded after a foul on a breakaway.
In ice hockey, a penalty shot is awarded when a player on a breakaway—meaning no defenders between them and the opposing goalie—loses a clear scoring chance due to a foul by an opponent. The fouled team gets one player to try to score against only the goaltender, with no other defenders allowed. This is the same format used in shootouts to settle games in certain leagues.
The shot is given instead of a standard minor penalty, so the team does not get both a penalty shot and a power play from the same infraction. In the NHL, specific fouls that can trigger a penalty shot include a goalie deliberately knocking the net off its moorings, a defender using a stick or body to interfere with the attacker from behind, a goalie or player throwing their stick to hinder the attacker, or any foul committed from behind. Additionally, if a non-goalie player intentionally covers the puck in their own crease, the other team gets a penalty shot. In the Southern Professional Hockey League, since 2004, a minor penalty in the final two minutes of overtime automatically results in a penalty shot; this was adjusted before the 2008–09 season so that any infraction in the last minute of overtime leads to a shot, but only during regular-season games.
When an official sees such an infraction, they signal a penalty shot by raising crossed arms above the head with clenched fists and pointing to center ice (in the NHL, they simply point to center ice). The shooter is usually the player who was fouled, though the attacking team’s captain may choose any player on the ice at the time. Only the goaltender (or an alternate) may defend the shot; typically the original goalie stays in net. If the infraction occurs when the defending team’s net is empty, a goal is automatically awarded.
During the procedure, the official places the puck at center ice. The shooter can skate a short distance to gain momentum, then skate with the puck toward the goal—unlike penalty kicks in soccer. All other players must move to their benches’ sides of the rink. If the penalized team had pulled their goalie for an extra attacker, the fouled player is automatically credited with a goal, regardless of whether the puck entered the net.
The goaltender must stay in the crease until the shooter touches the puck; after that, they may leave the crease to defend.
- First penalty shot in nhl history
- Awarded to Armand Mondou of the Montreal Canadiens on November 10, 1934; stopped by George Hainsworth of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- First penalty shot goal in nhl history
- Scored by Ralph 'Scotty' Bowman of the St. Louis Eagles on November 13, 1934.
- First penalty shot in pcha history
- Taken on December 6, 1921; first goal scored on December 12, 1921 by Tom Dunderdale on Hugh Lehman.
- First nhl player to attempt two penalty
- Erik Cole of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Lore & Background
The penalty shot was invented in the Pacific Coast Hockey Association in the 1921–22 season. League president Frank Patrick was fed up with deliberate fouls on players with good scoring opportunities and introduced the free shot. The first shot taken was on December 6, 1921, and the first goal was scored on December 12, 1921 by Tom Dunderdale on Hugh Lehman. The shot was taken from one of three dots painted on the ice 35 ft from the goal; players had to skate to the dot and shoot the puck from the dot.
The penalty shot was added to the rule books of the NHL for the 1934–35 season, allowing them to be awarded when a player was fouled while in 'a good scoring position.' In the first season, the puck was placed in a 10 ft circle, 38 ft from the goalmouth. The player could shoot while stationary within the circle, or could shoot while moving, as long as the shot was taken within the circle. The goaltender had to be stationary until the puck was shot, and no more than 1 ft in front of the goal mouth.
Strategy is considered very important during penalty shots and overtime shootouts for both the shooter and the goaltender. Both shooters and goaltenders commonly consult their teammates and coaches for advice on the opposing player's style of play. Shooters often consider the goaltender's strengths and weaknesses, preferred goaltending style, and method of challenging the shooter. Goaltenders often consider the shooter's shot preference, expected angle of attack, a patented move a shooter commonly uses, and even handedness of the shooter.
Reader's Guide
The penalty shot serves as a direct remedy for a lost clear scoring chance, replacing what would normally be a minor penalty. According to National Hockey League rules, various infractions during a breakaway can lead to a penalty shot, including a goaltender deliberately dislodging a goal-post, a defending player using a stick or any other part of his body to interfere with the attacking player, a goaltender or other player throwing his stick to distract or hinder the attacking player, or any other foul committed against the attacking player from behind. A penalty shot is also awarded if a non-goalie player intentionally covers the puck in his own team's goal crease. If an infraction that would normally attract a penalty shot occurs while the defending team's goaltender is off the ice (empty net), a goal is awarded instead. In the Southern Professional Hockey League, since its inception in 2004, a penalty shot is automatically awarded for a minor penalty in the final two minutes of overtime; this was changed prior to the 2008–09 season so that any infraction in the final minute of overtime results in a penalty shot, applying only to regular season games. The procedure requires the goaltender to remain in the crease until the attacking player has gained possession of the puck; if the goaltender exits early and the shot is unsuccessful, the shot is re-taken. The puck must move continuously towards the goal once touched, and a goal may not be scored from a rebound off the goaltender, the goal itself, or the end boards. The time necessary to complete the penalty shot is not taken off the game clock.
Did You Know?
- The first NHL penalty shot was awarded to Armand Mondou of the Montreal Canadiens on November 10, 1934, and was stopped by George Hainsworth.
- If a goaltender exits the crease before the attacker touches the puck and the penalty shot is unsuccessful, the shot is re-taken.
More in Ice Hockey Terminology, Part 2 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced