Have you ever watched a hockey game and seen a player accidentally score in their own net? If so, you might wonder how this impacts the game. More specifically, does an own goal take away points in hockey? Let’s dive into the intriguing world of hockey’s point system and find out.
Understanding the Hockey Point System
In hockey, the point system is crucial for determining a team’s standing in the league. Unlike sports where individual points are awarded to players, hockey’s point system primarily concerns team performance in games over a season.
Points for Winning and Losing
In most hockey leagues, including the NHL, teams earn points based on game outcomes:
- Win: A team earns 2 points for a win, whether in regulation time, overtime, or a shootout.
- Loss: Typically, a team earns 0 points for a loss in regulation time.
- Overtime/Shootout Loss: If a team loses in overtime or a shootout, they still earn 1 point.
This system ensures that teams are rewarded for competitive play, even if they lose in extended play.
Scoring in Hockey
Scoring in hockey is straightforward: a team earns a goal when the puck crosses the goal line between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar, provided it wasn’t kicked in or thrown by a player. Each goal contributes to the team’s score in a game, but how does scoring on one’s own net affect this?
What Happens When a Player Scores an Own Goal?
An own goal occurs when a player accidentally directs the puck into their team’s net, resulting in a score for the opposing team. But how does this impact the overall game and point system?
Impact on the Game
When an own goal is scored:
- The opposing team is credited with a goal.
- The player who last touched the puck from the opposing team is typically awarded the goal.
- The team who scored on themselves does not lose any points, but their chances of winning the game might decrease as the opposing team’s score increases.
Does an Own Goal Affect Team Points?
The critical question remains: does an own goal take away points from the team that scored it? The short answer is no. An own goal does not result in a deduction of points from the team’s overall standing in the league. The point system remains unaffected by the occurrence of an own goal.
Psychological and Strategic Impact
While the point system remains unchanged, an own goal can have significant psychological effects on players and teams. It can be demoralizing and may shift the momentum in favor of the opposing team. Coaches and players often need to regroup and refocus to overcome the setback.
Notable Own Goals in Hockey History
Throughout hockey history, there have been memorable instances of own goals that impacted games in unexpected ways. Let’s explore a couple of examples:
Steve Smith’s Own Goal (1986)
One of the most famous own goals in hockey occurred during the 1986 NHL playoffs. Steve Smith of the Edmonton Oilers accidentally scored on his own net during Game 7 against the Calgary Flames. The goal led to Calgary’s victory, knocking the Oilers out of the playoffs. This incident is often cited as a turning point in that playoff series.
Bryan McCabe’s Mishap (2007)
Another notable own goal happened in 2007 when Bryan McCabe of the Toronto Maple Leafs inadvertently shot the puck into his own net during overtime against the Buffalo Sabres. The own goal resulted in a loss for the Maple Leafs, but, again, it did not affect their overall point tally in the league.
How Teams Handle Own Goals
Teams and players have strategies to mitigate the effects of own goals. Here are some ways teams address these situations:
Mental Resilience
Coaches emphasize the importance of mental resilience. Players are encouraged to maintain focus, support each other, and continue playing aggressively despite mistakes.
Tactical Adjustments
Teams may make tactical adjustments to regain control of the game. This can include changing line combinations or adjusting defensive strategies to prevent further scoring by the opposition.
Learning Opportunities
Coaches often use own goals as learning opportunities. Reviewing game footage allows players to understand what went wrong and how to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while an own goal can be a disappointing moment in a hockey game, it does not take away points from the team’s overall standing in the league. The impact is more psychological and strategic rather than numerical in terms of the point system. Teams can use own goals as opportunities to build resilience and learn from their mistakes. Understanding the hockey point system can help fans appreciate the nuances of the game and the challenges players face on the ice.
By focusing on teamwork and strategic play, teams can overcome the temporary setback of an own goal and continue to strive for success throughout the hockey season.