How NHL Shootouts Work Explainer
An NHL shootout decides a regular-season game that remains tied after overtime. Each team initially names three eligible shooters, and the teams alternate attempts. The visiting team shoots first unless the applicable procedure provides otherwise, while each attempt is taken one-on-one against the opposing goaltender.
The shooter begins from center ice and must keep the puck moving generally toward the goal. The play ends when the puck enters the net, the goaltender stops it, the puck loses forward momentum, or another terminating event occurs. A rebound cannot be played. Officials can review whether the puck legally crossed the goal line.
If one team leads by more goals than the opponent can match during the initial rounds, the shootout ends early. If the score remains tied after three shooters each, it moves to sudden-death rounds. Each team receives one attempt per round, and the contest ends only after one team scores and the other fails in the same round.
The team winning the shootout receives the game-winning goal for the final team score, but individual shootout goals do not count in a player’s regular goal statistics. The game still awards standings points under NHL rules. Shootouts settle the result efficiently while keeping the skills contest distinct from ordinary five-on-five scoring.
Teams alternate through three eligible shooters. An attempt ends without a rebound once the shot is scored, stopped, or otherwise completed.
The shootout can finish before all six attempts if one side builds an insurmountable lead.
If tied after three rounds, teams continue one shooter at a time in matched rounds.
A goal alone does not end the round; the opponent must fail its corresponding attempt for the shootout to be decided.
The shootout winner receives one additional team goal in the final score and the standings result is recorded under NHL rules.
Individual shootout conversions are tracked separately and do not become ordinary player goals or shots on goal.
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