Game Structure

Understand hockey scorekeeping: how the official scoresheet records goals, assists, penalties, shots on goal, and the key stats that define every game.

Understand hockey standings: points, wins, overtime losses, tie-breakers, and how the NHL system ranks teams and decides playoff qualification.

Discover how hockey overtime and shootouts evolved, why leagues introduced them, and how tied games are decided today in the NHL and international tournaments.

Learn how 3-on-3 hockey works: rules, positioning, strategy, and why open ice changes puck possession, transitions, and scoring chances.

Learn how hockey penalty shots work, when they are awarded, the rules for the shooter and goalie, and how penalty shots differ from shootouts.

Learn how the NHL playoff format works: teams, seeding, bracket structure, best-of-seven series, home-ice advantage, and how the Stanley Cup is decided.

Learn how hockey shootouts work: the rules, attempt order, shooter selection, goalie restrictions, and how different leagues decide games after overtime.

How hockey overtime works across the NHL, playoffs, IIHF, and USA Hockey — from 3-on-3 to full extra periods and shootouts.