How long does overtime last in hockey? The KHL Board of Directors approved the transition to a new overtime format. How long does overtime last in hockey?
Overtime in hockey- this is the extra time that is necessary to determine the winner in such circumstances when regular time is not enough, that is, when the result is a draw after three periods. The term “overtime” comes from the English language and among all sports it has taken root most of all in hockey, while in other sports the designation “extra time” is more common.
In accordance with the current rules of hockey, overtime is mandatory in any game (regardless of its status - championship, playoffs) if the score remains equal after regular time. Overtime is actively practiced in games, as it helps determine the strongest team.
How many points are awarded for winning in overtime?
According to the new rules, starting from the season 2018-2019. in the KHL, a victory in overtime is awarded 2 points(as well as for a victory in regular time), the losing team in overtime receives 1 point. The same rules apply to the NHL, VHL and MHL.
How many overtimes are there in hockey?
It is also necessary to know how many overtimes are there in hockey (NHL, KHL) – within the framework of the regular season, only one overtime is possible, the game is played 3 by 3, if the teams did not score the puck within the allotted 5 minutes, then a series of shootouts is carried out. The team that scores the most goals during this time will win the match.
Games in playoffs differ both in the duration of overtime and in their possible number. Extra time in this case lasts 20 minutes, and 4 players participate from each team. Shootouts in the playoffs are not provided for by the rules, so overtime alternates until one of the teams scores the puck into the opponent’s goal.
Currently, the longest overtime in the history of the KHL was recorded on March 22, 2018. In the fifth match of the playoff series between CSKA and Jokerit. The game ended only in the 5th overtime, at the 143rd minute of the match.
These rules are common to the NHL and KHL, but changes are possible depending on the decision of the competition organizers. The organizers inform about the duration and number of overtimes in advance, before the start of the competition. In accordance with this, there may not be overtime in the game at all, but then it is necessary to know in advance the rules for determining the winner in shootouts. This makes hockey an even more interesting game in which a weaker team can defeat a stronger opponent.
How long is overtime in hockey?
The duration of additional time within the framework of the NHL and KHL championships, which are held regularly, is 5 minutes, in most cases this is enough for one team or another to score a goal. In the playoffs 20 minutes.
How many players take part in overtime?
Overtime of the regular season involves 3 players from each team, in the playoffs 4 players, this period ends when one of the teams scores a goal. According to the rules of hockey, the team that scores the puck during overtime gets two points, and its opponent gets one.
What happens when a player is sent off in overtime?
If the rules were violated during a 3 on 3 game in overtime, then the offending team will have 3 players left, and the other team will have an additional player. Thus, the game continues 3 on 4 until the player “serves” the penalty time completely or the team playing in the minority misses the puck into its own goal.
How long does overtime last at the Olympic Games?
Overtime at the Olympic Games lasts 20 minutes, teams play 4 on 4. If the puck is scored, the match ends. If within 20 minutes the winner has not been decided, then shootouts take place.
How many players play in overtime at the World Cup?
During the group stage:
Due to recent changes, at the group stage of the World Hockey Championship in overtime, teams play 3 on 3. The duration of overtime is 5 minutes. If the teams were unable to determine the winner during this period of time, then shootouts are played.
At the playoff stage:
At the playoff stage of the World Hockey Championship, overtime is played 4 on 4, and the duration of overtime is 10 minutes. If the teams did not have enough time to determine the strongest team, then shootouts are played
Overtime in hockey– this is an additional period of time assigned by the referee if the score is tied in regular time of the match (3 periods of 20 minutes each). Other sports also provide post-match time in case of a draw, but in hockey it is most often called overtime.
Bookmakers who bet on hockey must know exactly what overtime is, how long it lasts, how many overtimes are awarded, and how many points are awarded for a victory.
How long is overtime in hockey?
Current information for 2020d:
- Overtime in the NHL lasts 5 minutes in the regular season and 20 minutes in the playoffs;
- Overtime in the KHL lasts 5 minutes in the regular season and 20 minutes in the playoffs;
- Overtime at the World Championship lasts 10 minutes in the group stage and in the playoffs.
If during this time no team was able to win, then a shootout is scheduled.
Number of players on the court:
- The NHL has 3 skaters and a goalie in the regular season and 4 skaters and a goalie in the playoffs;
- The KHL has 3 skaters and a goalie in the regular season and 5 skaters and a goalie in the playoffs;
- During the World Cup, 3 field players and a goalkeeper in the group stage and in the playoffs.
How many overtimes are there in hockey?
Current information for 2020:
- In the NHL there is one in the regular season, the playoffs will be played until the first goal is scored or until infinity, whichever comes first;
- In the KHL there is one in the regular season, the playoffs will be played until the first goal is scored or until infinity, whichever comes first;
- At the World Championship there is one overtime in the group stage and in the playoffs.
The longest overtime in the history of the KHL was recorded on 03/22/18. In the 5th play-off game between CSKA and Jokerit, the meeting ended in the 5th overtime, at the 143rd minute of the match
How many points are awarded for winning in overtime?
Since 2007, in the KHL, as in the World Cup, the team that won in overtime earned 2 points. If she managed to win within the regular time of the match, 3 points were awarded. The team that lost in the post-match period received 1 point. The side that lost at the end of the 3 main periods did not add a single point to its treasury.
Starting from the 2019/2020 season The way victory points are counted has changed in the KHL. It became similar to the NHL. This means that for a victory at any time (be it regular time, extra time (overtime), or shootouts) the team receives 2 points. Losing hockey players do not receive a single point during the main period. If she loses in overtime or in shootouts, she gets 1 point.
What happens when a player is sent off in overtime?
When playing in overtime in the regular season, if a hockey player of one of the teams grossly violates the rules (for which he is supposed to be sent off), then this side remains to play in the 3rd. An additional 4th player comes out to the opponents' side. Thus, the team that violated the rules in overtime plays in the minority, but with 3 hockey players.
Quite often in sports reporting you hear the word “overtime”. Many people imagine very roughly what it is. Typically, this term begins to sound as the end of a match approaches and ends in a draw. In some types, the regulations do not provide for the possibility of such completion. In this case, in order to achieve victory, the teams are given additional time, otherwise called “overtime” in English. What it is and what are the features of the game in the extra period is determined by the rules and regulations of the competition. Each sport has its own nuances.
Is overtime always necessary?
For quite a long historical period, sports competitions were held without additional periods. But with an increase in the number of participants in tournament competitions, the timing of the competitions was delayed. And this process needed to be regulated. The simplest way to achieve this is to change the rules of matches in such a way as to exclude a draw result. Among other things, this gives the sporting confrontation between the two teams a special intensity and entertainment. The game becomes uncompromising when it cannot end in a draw. If the added time does not reveal the winner, then another overtime will follow. What is this if not the ultimate test of their capabilities for all field players and goalkeepers? But this is precisely what makes sports interesting; it is for the thrill that both the fans and the athletes themselves come to the stadium. It should be noted that the game was borrowed from the tournament practice of the North American National
In hockey
Playing in extra time is especially important in such a popular game as hockey. All the fun here often happens after overtime has begun. What is this - you should ask the goalkeepers. It is on them at this moment in the match that a colossal load and responsibility falls. Because after one goal, the game is considered over, and nothing can be corrected. The game in overtime reaches its utmost severity in the final stage of the Kontinental Hockey League tournament, when matches are played according to the “play-off” principle. One missed goal here can put an end not only to the game, but to the entire championship. Therefore, overtime in hockey is always the moment of truth. According to the KHL rules, the duration of the additional period is 20 minutes. At this moment, four field players from each team can be on the field at the same time, not counting the goalkeepers. The thing about these overtimes is that everyone is afraid of making a mistake. That is why the game sometimes takes on a very protracted character.
Overtime in basketball
A time regulation principle similar to hockey is also used in basketball tournaments. In the event of a draw during regular time of the match, the teams are given an additional five minutes to determine the winner. The duration of the extra time is half the standard period. The number of overtimes is not limited. Theoretically, the game can last for a very long time, but in the actual practice of tournament competitions there are rarely a large number of overtimes. Of course, the game becomes much tenser in extra time.
Overtime in football
A fundamentally different approach to time regulations exists in such a world-wide popular game as football. There is no need to play until one of the teams wins. A draw result is recognized by the rules. But quite often, by decision of the main referee of the match, additional game time is assigned. Usually it is two to three minutes. Its duration corresponds to the time that was lost during the match for various technical reasons. The referee can also call extra time if he considers that the players of one of the teams are deliberately delaying the game. This usually happens when the team leading the score seeks to maintain its existing advantage until the final whistle. It often happens that extra minutes become decisive and fundamentally change the outcome of the match.
1. If in the matches of the First Stage of the Championship after three periods a draw result is recorded, an additional period (overtime) lasting five minutes is assigned, which is held according to the following rules:
1.1. Overtime takes place after a two-minute break (without cleaning and filling the ice and changing the goal), during which the Hockey Players remain on the ice;
1.2. Overtime is played until the first goal is scored. The team that scores the puck wins the match and the match ends. If any team refuses to play in overtime, that team will be given a technical defeat (– : +) in the match;
1.3. In overtime, five Hockey Players play for each team, regardless of their playing role;
1.4. In overtime, fines are imposed in accordance with the Rules of the Game of Hockey, the same as in regular time. In overtime, the unused penalty time the Hockey Players received during regular time of the match remains in effect;
1.5. If a penalty is imposed on one of the teams in overtime, then three field players and a goalkeeper play for this team on the hockey rink until the penalty expires, and four field players and a goalkeeper play for the other team;
1.6. If in overtime, when playing for each team with four field players and one goalkeeper, one minor fine is imposed on each team, then until the penalty expires, four field players and one goalkeeper play for each team on the hockey rink. In this case, the fined Hockey Players must remain on the penalty bench until the first stoppage of the game after the expiration of the fines;
1.7. If in overtime, after a penalty is imposed, one of the teams receives an advantage of two Hockey Players, then the offending team has three field Players and a goalkeeper left on the hockey rink, and five field Players and a goalkeeper play for the other team. At the first stop of the game, when the advantage of two Hockey Players expires, depending on the situation, the number of field Players playing for each team becomes four by four or four by three;
1.8. If the main time of the match ends with a numerical advantage of one of the teams in field players five on four, then the teams begin overtime with a numerical advantage of field players four on three;
1.9. If the main time of the match ends with a numerical advantage of one of the teams in field players five on three, then the teams begin overtime with a numerical advantage of field players five on three. With the expiration of penalties and the continuation of game actions, the number of field players can be five on five or five on four. At the first stoppage of the game, the number of field players participating in the team match must be adjusted to the ratio of four to four or four to three;
1.10. If the main time of the match ends with the number of outfield players of the teams being three on three, then the teams begin overtime with the number of outfield players being three on three. If the number of field players reaches five by five or five by four, then at the next stoppage of play it must be brought into accordance with the ratio of four by four or four by three;
1.11. If the regular time of the match ends with the number of outfield Players on a four-on-four team and the Hockey Player or Hockey Players serve unequal or equal penalties in the penalty box, then the teams begin overtime with the number of outfield Players four on four. After the penalty box enters the ice, the number of field players of the teams becomes five by four or five by five and at the first stoppage of the game it is brought into accordance with the ratio of four by three or four by four;
1.12. If in overtime, after the imposition of penalties, teams play three on three and a fine is imposed on one of the teams, then the offending team has three field players and a goalkeeper left on the hockey rink, and four field players and a goalkeeper play for the other team. If in this situation another penalty is imposed on the offending team, then this penalty becomes “deferred” and the teams continue to play three on four. With the continuation of game actions and the expiration of penalties, the number of field players can be three on five, four on five or five on five. At the first stoppage of the game, the number of field players of the teams participating in the match in a four-on-five or five-on-five game must be brought into line with the ratio of three to four or four to four.
NHL will change overtime and viewing rules
Dan Rosen - NHL.com, Senior Writer
LAS VEGAS— On Wednesday, the NHL Board of Directors approved a change to the overtime format and expanded the scope of video review to include the right of a coach to request a replay of a specific moment of the game.
Overtime will now be played in a 3-on-3 format for 5 minutes if the match is tied after regulation time. Previously, teams played 4-on-4. If the result remains tied after overtime, then the winner of the game will be determined by a shootout.
The coach will be able to demand a review of the situation on video only in the event of a goal, if he believes that there was previously an offside position or there was an attack on the goalkeeper.
The board also approved changes to the faceoff procedure. The defensive player must now put his stick on the ice first if the faceoff is not in the midcourt. Previously, a player from the visiting team had to put his stick on the ice first. Under the new rules, guests must put their sticks on the ice first only when there is a face-off at center ice.
The 3-on-3 overtime format aims to create more space on the court, which will allow players to play more effectively and decide the outcome of the match without resorting to a shootout. The AHL spent this season in approximately the same format.
With the introduction of the 3-on-3 format, the number of matches tied in regulation time that ended in overtime increased to 75% in the 2014/15 season. At 4-on-4 in 2013-14, the percentage was 35.3%.
Currently, overtime in the AHL lasts 7 minutes. Teams begin playing it 4-on-4 and switch to 3-on-3 after the first three minutes of the extra period.
In the NHL this season, the winner of 44.4% of games where overtime was needed was decided in extra time (136 out of 306).
“I've always said shootouts can be interesting, but I'd rather have the winner decided in overtime. "Statistics show that the likelihood of a goal increases when overtime is played 3-on-3 rather than 4-on-4," said Columbus BlueJackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen. “This has been proven by the AHL, the Swedish Hockey League. So there is a chance that the percentage of goals scored in overtime will increase.”
However, the competition committee, which met during the Stanley Cup Final, was unable to reach consensus on the format. The debate was over whether to play in the AHL format or play the entire extra period 3-on-3. Representatives of the hockey players, after consulting among themselves, came to the conclusion that the 3-on-3 format would be preferable throughout the extra time.
NHL general managers also agreed to the 3-on-3 format because it was the only option offered.
“We discussed this issue with the competition committee and the players union, discussed both options, they again reviewed them within their circle and came to the conclusion that a 3-on-3 format would be the most optimal,” the Nashville Predators general manager said. David Poile. “I'm glad about it. We almost unanimously believe that the more matches that end in overtime, the better, compared to shootouts. We got what we wanted. We'll play 3-on-3. I don’t know what will happen to us with statistics, but we will have fewer shootouts. This makes me very happy. This will make the game even more attractive to spectators.”
“There's going to be more space, and if there's a scoring opportunity in one goal and the team doesn't take advantage of it, they're going to have a scoring opportunity in front of their goal,” Philadelphia Flyers general manager Ron Hextall said. “”The game will become interesting, fast, the main thing will be the skill of the players. Hockey will be exciting. I've seen a few AHL games. Very interesting".
The issue of video review at the request of the coach has been discussed for several years. From now on, it can be claimed if the puck was scored, but there is a suspicion of an “offside position” or an attack by the goalkeeper, which could precede the goal being scored. This is done to ensure that the decisions of the referee on the ice were correct.
“The arbitrators will make decisions, we will disagree with some of them, but the new rule will allow us to count on a fairer result, and to involve modern technologies to help,” Kekalainen said. “So this is a major step forward.”
In order to require a video review, the coach must have an unused timeout.
“I think it's going to be trial and error because we've never had anything like this before,” New York Rangers coach Alan Vigneault said. “It may take some getting used to, it will probably be part of some tactical plan.”
Overtime in hockey
What is overtime in hockey?
Overtime in hockey- this is the extra time that is necessary to determine the winner in such circumstances when regular time is not enough, that is, when the result is a draw after three periods. The term “overtime” comes from the English language and among all sports it has taken root most of all in hockey, while in other sports the designation “extra time” is more common.
In accordance with the current rules of hockey, overtime is mandatory in any game (regardless of its status - championship, playoffs) if the score remains equal after regular time. Overtime is actively practiced in games, as it helps determine the strongest team.
How many overtimes are there in hockey?
It is also necessary to know how many overtimes are there in hockey (NHL, KHL)– within the framework of the regular season, only one overtime is possible, the game is played 3 on 3, but if the teams do not score the puck within the allotted 5 minutes, then a series of shootouts is held. The team that scores the most goals during this time will win the match.
Games in playoffs differ both in the duration of overtime and in their possible number. Extra time in this case lasts 20 minutes, and 4 players participate from each team. Shootouts in the playoffs are not provided for by the rules, so overtime alternates until one of the teams scores the puck into the opponent’s goal.
Currently, the longest overtime in the history of the KHL was recorded on March 22, 2018. In the fifth match of the playoff series between CSKA and Jokerit. The game ended only in the 5th overtime, at the 143rd minute of the match.
These rules are common to the NHL and KHL, but changes are possible depending on the decision of the competition organizers. The organizers inform about the duration and number of overtimes in advance, before the start of the competition. In accordance with this, there may not be overtime in the game at all, but then it is necessary to know in advance the rules for determining the winner in shootouts. This makes hockey an even more interesting game in which a weaker team can defeat a stronger opponent.
How long is overtime in hockey?
The duration of extra time in the NHL and KHL championships, which are held regularly, is 5 minutes, in most cases this is enough for one or another team to score a goal. In the playoffs 20 minutes.
How many players take part in overtime?
Overtime of the regular season involves 3 players from each team, in the playoffs 4 players, this period ends when one of the teams scores a goal. According to the rules of hockey, the team that scores the puck during overtime gets two points, and its opponent gets one.
What happens when a player is sent off in overtime?
If the rules were violated during a 3 on 3 game in overtime, then the offending team will have 3 players left, and the other team will have an additional player. Thus, the game continues 3 on 4 until the player “serves” the penalty time completely or the team playing in the minority misses the puck into its own goal.
How long does overtime last at the Olympic Games?
Overtime at the Olympic Games lasts 20 minutes, teams play 4 on 4. If the puck is scored, the match ends. If within 20 minutes the winner has not been decided, then shootouts take place.
How many players play in overtime at the World Cup?
During the group stage:
Due to recent changes, at the group stage of the World Hockey Championship in overtime, teams play 3 on 3. The duration of overtime is 5 minutes. If the teams were unable to determine the winner during this period of time, then shootouts are played.
At the playoff stage:
At the playoff stage of the World Hockey Championship, overtime is played 4 on 4, and the duration of overtime is 10 minutes. If the teams did not have enough time to determine the strongest team, then shootouts are played
Deadline, 3-on-3 overtime and 2017/18 calendar. What did the KHL decide?
New overtime format
At the meeting, the “3 on 3” overtime format was approved in the regular championships of the KHL, MHL and WHL. The new format will take effect on December 15.
“International rules have changed. At the World Championships they will play three on three. The logic of changes in our rules can be traced,” commented the first vice-president of the FHR on the innovation. Roman Rotenberg.
“The decision to switch to three-on-three overtime was unanimous, it was a recommendation from the FHR, we needed to bring this decision to international standards, by which the whole world is already playing, and from tomorrow everyone will play. Hockey will be more spectacular. It will be easier for colleagues from television to predict the end of the match, because now it will end faster,” explained the KHL President Dmitry Chernyshenko.
Deadline situation
“The deadline was not moved to January 15, the league decided so. I voted for non-transfer. This is a rule that must be observed,” noted the general director of Kuznya. Sergei Zinoviev.
The “3 on 3” overtime format was approved in the regular championships of the KHL, MHL, and WHL. The new format will take effect on December 15.
“I am for the deadline of January 15, the best players should play in the playoffs, now they showed us a table of debts - why create more of them? Give away the players, pay off the debt. Pay your taxes and live in peace,” the general manager of Salavat Yulaev shared his opinion. Leonid Weisfeld.
“We discussed the postponement of the deadline, the decision will be made later,” said the acting president of CSKA Igor Esmantovich.
Next season calendar
Because of the 2018 Olympic Games, the 2017/18 season will begin in the last ten days of August, and February will be almost completely excluded from the games calendar. The preliminary dates for the 2018 Gagarin Cup playoffs are early March - late April.
“What is the point of saying that next year the regular season will end in January? The Olympics are the Olympics. Yes, there will be inconveniences for everyone - us, the fans. But talking won’t change anything,” said the vice-president of Magnitogorsk Gennady Velichkin.
The proposal to postpone the deadline for additional applications for hockey players to mid-January was not supported by the league and the majority of clubs.
Salary ceiling
First Vice-President of the FHR Roman Rotenberg spoke about lowering the salary cap and noted that he is in favor of reducing player salaries in the KHL.
“The decision on the salary cap will be made by the league’s board of directors. This issue is being discussed. We are for everyone in the KHL to be on equal terms. The cost of players should be market value, we are for reducing contracts. If we compare players in Russia, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, there is a huge difference in salaries. We need to come to a common denominator. But we cannot do this abruptly.
It is impossible to withdraw 50% of the contract at once. There are social moments. It is necessary to analyze everything and make a balanced decision,” Rotenberg noted.
Ban on players leaving for training camps
The KHL Board of Directors approved a ban on the departure of hockey players to training camps of other leagues.
“You can remember the situation with the Admiral goalkeeper” Ivan Nalimov. It is not right. Let's assume the opposite. Sidney Crosby arrived at the Admiral's training camp. What will the NHL say about this? There would be an international scandal. We should be on equal terms, why should we make any concessions? If the player de jure does not have a contract, then please let him go. There must be respect for contracts between leagues,” says FHR First Vice-President Roman Rotenberg.
Club transfer news
Director of Severstal Alexey Koznev commented on the team’s unsuccessful performance in the current KHL season and stated that the club does not intend to part with Dmitry Kagarlitsky And Jakub Kowar.
“Are we planning to have a sale now? This is what you journalists call a sale; we are primarily interested in our fans. You can, of course, consider this option as a commercial project. If we give away a great, highly paid player, the club’s budget increases. But we want to please our fans, so Kagarlitsky remains.
The FHR, the league and the coaching staff of the Russian national team agreed on the duration of the pauses for the preparation of the national team: 16 days before the 2018 Olympic Games, 7 days before the 2018 World Cup.
I won’t say that I expected more from Kovarzh. He plays at his level, we are happy with him. Yakub has downturns. It’s too early to say whether Vovchenko will stay. There are no specifics yet. Other clubs have an interest in Kagarlitsky and Kovarzh, and there are offers for them. We will not detach any of the legionnaires; at this stage, we are all involved,” Koznev said.
General Director of Novokuznetsk Metallurg Sergei Zinoviev reported that the club will continue to pursue its strategy of selling players.
“As for the possible departure of Kareev, Razumov, Solovyov, Semenov, I would not like to reveal the background of these things. But there are all sorts of options for employing them and other players. We have such a development strategy,” Zinoviev said.
General Director of Togliatti Lada Vladimir Vdovin commented on the situation with the possible departure of the team's top scorer Nikita Filatov.
“Nobody called and offered money for Filatov. In principle, we are not planning sales, the team is on the move, unlucky in some places, we could have achieved more. There is no need to think about strengthening,” concluded Vdovin. However, the general manager of Salavat Leonid Weisfeld did not rule out acquiring Filatov before the deadline.
Acting President of CSKA Moscow Igor Esmantovich commented on the participation of eight team hockey players in the Channel One Cup.
“I think it’s no secret that leading clubs are interested in Sergei Shumakov and Maxim Shalunov, they are decent guys, we are considering them, we think, but we are not only interested in these hockey players. Now they are Sibir players,” added Esmantovich.
Choose me! Why the NHL needs to switch to a new playoff format
Pioneers from the South
Last season, one of the main sensations of the opening round of the playoffs in the National Hockey League was the elimination of the Chicago Blackhawks. The Black Hawks confidently went through the regular season, scoring 109 points, but in the first round they faced Nashville, which, with difficulty, made it into the eight cup with the second wild card, and then reached the Stanley Cup final. But what would happen if Chicago refused to play with the Predators and chose other opponents? For example, Calgary, which was forced to fight Anaheim. Formally, the Lights were a stronger opponent, since they took a place above Nashville, but the entire cup draw could have turned out differently.
An experiment being conducted by the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) this season is designed to answer this question. It was founded in 2004 and consists of 10 teams located primarily in the Southeastern states - North Carolina, Indiana, Alabama and Georgia. The Southern League was the first on the North American continent to decide on a similar option for forming a playoff bracket, and hopes that the opportunity to choose will bring new intrigue and big surprises. “I really like this idea. It looks like a fight without rules, but you choose your opponent yourself,” said the president of the Southern League Jim Combs.
All for the elections
It is worth noting that Combs’ department also did not become the pioneer of this type of formation of pairs of opponents in the first round. For the first time in the world, this innovation was tested by the Austrian Hockey League, which unites teams from Austria, Italy, Hungary, Croatia and the Czech Republic. The essence of the innovation was as follows: the three “top” teams from the cup eight were given the right to choose their opponent in the starting round from among those clubs that took places from fifth to eighth. The team that took fourth place does not have an independent choice - it gets the remaining opponent, whom the rest of the seeds avoided. All playoff series in the Austrian League are played up to three victories, the winner of the series advances to the second round, where the familiar principle of pairing begins to operate: the strongest plays with the weakest according to the places won in the standings.
The Austrians do not use wild card rules, draws or other random selections. The team that takes first place in the regular season gets the first choice of opponent, makes a decision and, as it were, says to the future opponent: “We know that we will easily defeat you.” This instantly fuels interest, causes controversy and various judgments about the reasons for the choice. And most importantly, it prolongs active interest in the regular season until the very last matches and removes the oppressive predetermination in the first round. In addition, such a system provides good ground for the emergence of new unexpected fundamental confrontations, because recently in the NHL all the old notches have faded somewhat.
By and large, there are currently only two confrontations in the NHL at the proper level of tension - the dispute between Pittsburgh and Washington and the Western rivalry between Chicago and St. Louis. The blood-soaked disagreements between Detroit and Colorado are a thing of the legendary past, the classic pairs of Islanders - Rangers and Boston - Montreal have lost their luster, they no longer feel the former nerve and mutual hatred. The chances of reviving the “Battle of Alberta” between Edmonton and Calgary were dashed by the incomprehensible failure of the Oilers this season, when instead of confidently getting into the playoffs, McDavid and company are sadly trailing behind.
“Our fans talk and discuss the elections of our opponents for a long time. Coaches and general managers need to come up with a strategy accordingly. If you are in first place, you may not want to play eighth, because this team could have been higher a few weeks ago, and soon they will have injuries back in action, and they should be hot in the playoffs,” Combs muses.
Why not try it?
Of course, such changes may seem too serious and radical, but the NHL management has already proven its readiness for innovation when it introduced a hard salary cap, removed draws from hockey and changed the overtime format.
“Competition and rivalry are what we love about sports. This playoff setup definitely creates more rivalry and passion between the teams. Neither coaches nor hockey players want to be considered the weak link. Stupid and too bold? By the way, overtime in the three-on-three format was also tested in our league. Then, too, everyone said that the players would quickly get tired, that this was complete stupidity and did not look like normal hockey. And now they play it like this everywhere - and it’s okay, everyone likes it. So the idea of choosing an opponent in the playoffs might also be a good idea. “Also, in the Austrian League, I saw that some teams deliberately choose not the weakest, but the strongest opponent, because they want to play with them fresh, not tired after a long cup run and without injuries,” Combs hopes.
A new idea could bring a renewed culture of competition to hockey. After its implementation, fans are unlikely to hear the stupid words that “in this league every opponent is strong, we prepare and tune in for any opponent.” Choosing a team with whom you want to play in the first round automatically means a challenge and a hint that this particular team is weaker and more convenient than the others. And this will be said not through possible accusations or caustic remarks, but by the very sign of the upcoming match.
The first such selection in Southern League history will take place on April 8 and will be shown on television. “All our clubs fully support our innovations. At least this season. But if the format turns out to be wrong, we will simply change it next season. We are not afraid to take risks,” summed up Jim Combs.
If the Southern League experience turns out to be successful, then it is definitely worth considering for larger corporations. Perhaps it will help hockey make another breakthrough in terms of spectator interest, even if its implementation will have to be postponed for several years.
The first official hockey rules were published in 1886. This game is popular all over the world, and the famous Stanley Cup appeared as a result of the fact that Governor General Frederick Stanley, admiring the hockey players’ performance, presented the national champion with a cup in the form of a pyramid of bright silver rings.
In our article we will look at the basic rules of playing hockey.
Area
The site measures 56-61 m long and 26-30 m wide. Its corners are rounded by a circle, the radius of which is about 8 m. The site is surrounded by white wood or plastic fences (“Boards”). Their height is 1.17 m. To eliminate the possibility of injury to the player, the surface of the sides is made absolutely smooth. The doors through which hockey players exit onto the ice surface open to the outside.
Players
Before the start of the game, the coach provides the referee with a list of participants. Each team can have 2 goalkeepers and 20 players. Once the game has started, no changes are allowed. If during the game some participants are missing (for example, due to injuries or fines), then it is stopped.
Hockey players' equipment consists of skates, sticks, outerwear and protective equipment. Skate blades should be safe, and sticks should be made of wood, aluminum or plastic. Wearing a hockey helmet during the game is mandatory.
A game
During the game, a team must have only one goalkeeper, who can be replaced by another participant. The start of the game is to throw the puck in at the center point of the ice. Teams defend the goal and also change it after the main period.
A violation is a case when physical contact of any kind is recorded with an opponent.
There are 7 types of penalties: minor, bench minor, major, disciplinary, game disciplinary, free throw and match penalty. Minor penalty – the player is removed for 2 minutes without the possibility of replacement, minor penalty – the player is sent to the penalty bench for 2 minutes. A major fine will result in the player being ejected from the field for the remainder of the game. If a player receives both a Minor and a Major penalty at the same time, the latter will be served first.
If a participant receives a disciplinary penalty, he is removed from the ice for 10 minutes and remains in the penalty bench until the next stoppage of play occurs. A game misconduct penalty means that the player is sent off for the remainder of the game and sent to the locker room. Match penalty – a player is removed for the remainder of the game and replaced with a substitute. A goalkeeper is prohibited from serving penalties while sitting in the penalty box.
Fines are imposed for various violations: for example, if one of the hockey players pushed an opponent onto the board using his elbow. However, a push onto the board is not a situation in which the opponent, trying to slip between the board and the attacker, moves the puck and “carries” along the board. Violations include hitting with the end of the stick, illegal attack, attacking an opponent from behind, cutting (positioning the body at the level of the opponent’s knees or below, as a result of which he either falls to his knees or receives a blow to the knees), pushing the stick, roughness, fighting, headbutting , sticks raised high, holding an opponent with hands or sticks, attacking a player who does not have the puck (called blocking), kicking, stabbing, tripping, attacking the neck or head.
If women participate in hockey, they must wear full face masks that no stick blade or puck can penetrate.
Field
The hockey field is identical to the football field. This is a rectangular ice platform with rounded corners. According to the IIHF rules, its dimensions are 58 - 30 meters, and according to the NHL rules - 60.96 x 25.9 m. Along the perimeter of the field, sides with a height of 120 cm - 122 cm were erected.
Gates
The goal is firmly fixed to the ice, but at the same time it moves, preventing injury to players. Gate dimensions: 122 cm - height, 183 cm - length. A net is suspended from the goal to absorb impacts.
Teams
The team includes 20-25 players, but 5 field players and 1 goalkeeper enter the field, who can be replaced by a 6th player. Players are replaced during the match or when the game is stopped. In overtime, 4 players and a goalkeeper enter the field.
Game duration
The match lasts 3 periods of 20 minutes with breaks of 15 minutes. If the match is a draw, overtime is assigned, that is, additional playing time. If overtime is played in a draw, shootouts are held, that is, post-match shots. Overtime and the number of shootouts are agreed upon separately, but within the framework of the tournament.
Time out
During regulation or overtime, any team may take one time-out within 30 seconds. The coach designates a player who must request a time-out from the Referee during a regular break in the game. The head referee will inform the game secretary about this. Then the players of the two teams who are on the field drive up to their benches. Any team may call a time-out during the same stoppage. But the second team wishing to take a time-out must inform the Chief Referee about this before the first time-out has ended.
Violations
In hockey, except for women's hockey, the use of power wrestling is allowed. This is a contact game, a body-to-body game. Tripping, holding opponents with hands or a stick is prohibited. Playing with a stick raised too high, hitting with elbows and hands is not allowed.
However, players sometimes commit violations deliberately, considering them part of the game strategy. By committing a minor, often unnoticeable violation, a player provokes an opponent to commit a major violation, which is punishable by a fine. This lifts the team's spirits and lowers the morale of the opposing team.
Offside – a position outside the game. Called when the puck and an attacking player with both skates are in the opposing team's defensive zone.
The assistant referee raises his hand, and if a player from the attacking team touches the puck or it goes into the goal, the game is stopped. A throw-in is awarded in the middle zone. If the puck is not touched, play continues, but the offside continues until all attacking players leave the opponents' zone or the puck leaves the zone. If any of the conditions are met, the assistant referee must lower his hand and the teams will continue the game.
It is not considered offside if the player with the puck enters the zone with his back before the puck. And also if the players of the defending team themselves throw the puck into their defensive zone.
Bullitt
A shootout is a free throw, which can be a penalty shot or a penalty shot. To assign a shootout, 5 conditions and 1 post-match condition are required:
- The puck was out of the injured player's protective zone.
- The attacking player is watching the puck.
- The violation occurred from behind.
- The attacking player did not have the opportunity to score a goal due to the violation.
- There are no defending players between the attacking player and the goalkeeper.
- The winner is not determined after the main match and extra time.
There are other provisions for awarding a shootout other than violations during a one-on-one fight. Typically these include various intentional violations.
Overtime
Overtime means extra time of play to determine the winner if the match ends in a draw. According to the rules of hockey, it is played until the first goal. In overtime, 5 players from each team play on the field: 4 field players and 1 goalkeeper.
