In the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs controversy reigned in Game 3 between San Jose and St. Louis. San Jose won the game on an illegal hand pass in overtime that allowed the team to take a 2-1 lead in the series. Fortunately for the NHL the controversy turned out to be moot as St. Louis went onto win the series. But it left a lot of fans wondering what are the rules around hand passes in the NHL.
What is the hand pass rule in hockey? A player can catch the puck out of the air, but they must immediately drop the puck – they are not allowed to skate with it. The player can also bat the puck out of the air or slide it along the ice to a team in the neutral or defensive zone, but never the offensive zone.
Here are the rules governing hand passes as they put it the NHL rule book (I’ll breakdown the rules into actual human language and specific game situations after):
67.1 Handling Puck – A player shall be permitted to stop or “bat” a puck in the air with his open hand, or push it along the ice with his hand, and the play shall not be stopped unless, in the opinion of the Referee, he has deliberately directed the puck to a teammate in any zone other than the defending zone, in which case the play shall be stopped and a face-off conducted (see Rule 79 – Hand Pass). Play will not be stopped for any hand pass by players in their own defending zone.
79.1 Hand Pass – A player shall be permitted to stop or “bat” a puck in the air with his open hand, or push it along the ice with his hand, and the play shall not be stopped unless, in the opinion of the Referee, he has directed the puck to a teammate.
A player shall be permitted to catch the puck out of the air but must immediately place it or knock it down to the ice. If he catches it and skates with it, either to avoid a check or to gain a territorial advantage over his opponent, a minor penalty shall be assessed for “closing his hand on the puck” under Rule 67 – Handling Puck.
Is a hand pass legal in hockey?
There are legal and illegal types of hand passes in hockey. Let’s look at both.
Let’s start off by looking at the San Jose hand pass against St. Louis in the Stanley Cup playoffs
As you can see in the video Timo Meier bats the puck that is in the air to his teammate who then passes it over to Erik Karlsson for the goal.
This is clearly a hand pass.
Now, it is an illegal hand pass because it takes place in San Jose’s offensive zone, and the play should have been whistled down immediately. No penalty should have been called on the play, but the right call would have been a stoppage in play with a faceoff.
However, if the same play was made by San Jose in their defensive zone then the play is perfectly legal and the play could be allowed to continue.
The two legal types of hand passes that occur are a player batting the puck out of the air to his teammate in the defensive zone, and a player who is on the ice and hits the puck to his teammate, who, again, is in the defensive zone.
No hand passes are allowed in the neutral zone or the offensive zone.
When you catch it how long can you hold it?
Well, you can hold it for no time. If the player catches a puck in the air they must immediately drop it to their stick.
A player is not permitted to catch it and then throw it to one of their teammates, or skate with the puck after they have caught the puck.
I read that someone said a player can hold it for three seconds. This is so wrong I do not know where to start. But, no! No, no, no, no! A player cannot hold the puck for three seconds. A player can skate the length of the ice in almost three seconds – this would fundamentally alter the way the game is played.
Instead, the real rule is if a player catches the puck and skates with it they will be called for a two minute minor for closing their hand over the puck.
Are goals scored as a result of a hand pass reviewable?
They are now! Up until the start of the 2019-2020 season a potential hand pass was not allowed to be reviewed by video.
The NHL was so thankful that they escaped the controversy in the San Jose – St. Louis playoff series being decided by a hand pass that they changed the reviewable goal rules in the offseason.
Any goal that is expected to have been caused by a hand pass in the offensive zone is now reviewable by video. If the play during the San Jose – St. Louis series could have been reviewed with video then it would have been 100% called back.
However, if the hand pass happens in the neutral zone before the goal, and is missed by the refs, that play is not reviewable. Only if the hand pass occurs in the defensive zone will the play be reviewable.
A hand pass occurs when a player stops, knocks down, or pushes the puck with their open hand, thereby directing the puck to a teammate in the neutral or attacking zone. This includes where the puck deflects off any person or object prior to the teammate gaining possession and control of the puck.
(b) A player or goalkeeper shall not be allowed to “bat” the puck in the air, or push it along the ice with his hand, directly to a teammate unless the “hand pass” has been initiated and completed in his defending zone, in which case play shall be allowed to continue.
Here's where the details are important: If the hand pass is between two players in their defensive zone (goal end), then play is not stopped. If the hand pass is performed by teammates in the offensive zone (other team's goal end) or neutral zone (center ice), then play is whistled dead and there will be a faceoff.
What does this mean? Basically this means, for example, if there is a hand pass by the offensive team or the puck hits the mesh by the glass and comes back into play and the officials let the play go on (both of which should whistled for a stoppage immediately), the coach can challenge the resulting goal.
To score, you put the ball over the crossbar by foot or fist for one point or under the crossbar and into the net by foot or the hand / fist in certain circ*mstances for a goal, the latter being the equivalent of three points.
Players may score from either the hand or the foot in football, or the hurl and foot in hurling. A goal cannot be scored using the hand pass method, although points can be scored this way.
Yes. A player may lift the opponent's stick at anytime provided they do not impede their progress. This is most often done in an effort to prevent the opponent from playing the puck and is considered a good defensive play.
If one team is winning by six (6) or more goals in the third period, the game will go to running time ("Mercy Rule") and will continue until the game clock runs out or a goal differential of less than 6 is regained.
This is often referred to as simply checking or hitting and is only permitted against an opponent with possession of the puck. Body checking can be penalized when performed recklessly.
Hand pass. a pass made with the hand. It is legal when both passer and recipient are inside the defending zone, otherwise illegal. An illegal hand pass results in a stoppage of play and a faceoff at the position where the puck was passed from.
The two-line pass rule in ice hockey is when a stoppage of play is called because a pass was made from inside of a team's defending zone to a player that is on the offensive side of the blue line, meaning the puck has crossed both the defending team's blue line and the red line during the pass.
As they meet the puck carrying forward leaves the puck for the defenseman then attempts to take the opposing defender with him, creating space for the puck carrying defenseman to move into or pass.
Hockey players can only hit the ball with the flat side of their stick. Hockey players (other than the goalkeeper) are not allowed to use their feet, or any other parts of the body, to control the ball at any time. A goal can only be scored either from a field goal, a penalty corner, or from a penalty stroke.
(Note) Elbowing is the use of an extended elbow as the point of contact with an opponent while delivering a check, or as a means to create separation with an opponent, and may include an attempted elbow. (a) A minor penalty shall be assessed for elbowing or an attempt to elbow an opponent.
A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in: if the ball enters the opponents' goal – a goal kick is awarded. if the ball enters the thrower's goal – a corner kick is awarded.
Is the goal awarded? Yes. A player whose footwear or shinguard is lost accidentally must replace it as soon as possible and no later than when the ball next goes out of play. If before doing so the player plays the ball and/or scores a goal, the goal is awarded.
A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in; if a player throws the ball directly into their own goal without any other player touching it, the result is a corner kick to the opposing side.
Note about goalkeepers: A goalkeeper may slide to make a save, provided that in doing so they do not violate the law against slide tackling. While incidental contact may occur, a goalkeeper sliding to cradle the ball will not be penalized.
The goalkeeper can take one of the penalties. After the kick, the kicker is to proceed direct to his team members waiting in a group at the center circle/midfield line of the pitch. All kicks are taken at one goal to ensure that both teams' kick-takers and goalkeepers face the same pitch irregularities.
Despite seeing a cooling-off in recent years, dropping the gloves is still very much a part of the sport. Fighting is one of ice hockey's most unique elements, and it is the only sport where throwing punches is not only allowed, but sometimes encouraged.
The first reason is that it can be dangerous for the referees to bending down and picking up a stick while players are skating around. The second reason is that it can be difficult to tell if a stick is actually broken or just dropped on the ice.
In June 1985, as part of a package of five rule changes to be implemented for the 1985–86 season, the NHL Board of Governors decided to introduce offsetting penalties, where neither team lost a man when coincidental penalties were called.
Half slap shots are allowed, as long as the stick does not come over the waist of the shooting player. 2. All minor penalties are three minutes due to non-stop time.
In Baseball5, a WBSC variation of baseball and softball which is played to five innings, a team which leads by 15 runs after three innings or 10 after four innings automatically wins.
Deliberately shooting or batting the puck outside the playing area. Deliberately displacing the goal from its normal position. Failure to provide the proper number of players on the ice surface after a warning from an official or for making an illegal substitution.
It's an opportunity for any team with space on the roster and under the NHL salary cap to have a third goalie on its active roster. Teams must have three goalies available this season, but one can be placed on the taxi squad.
Icing isn't acceptable when the defending team sends the puck down the ice. The reason behind the rule is because icing the puck breaks up the flow of the game, giving the defending team an easy-out.
Can a Hockey Goalie Throw the Puck? No, a hockey goalie can't technically throw a puck. It will result in a minor penalty—leaving your team on a 2 minute penalty kill. However, goalies can get away with throwing the puck to the side or backwards.
A player who slides or throws a stick to the goaltender is to be assessed a Minor penalty under Rule 10.5 (a) – Throwing or Shooting Stick or Object. A Penalty Shot may be awarded under this rule, if the player throws the stick at the puck or puck carrier in their defending zone.
Is a player able to bodycheck the goalie like any other opponent on the ice? The goalie in hockey is not allowed to be hit by a player. There is no instance where the goalie is 'fair game' and allowed to be checked like a regular skater, even if the goaltender is handling the puck outside of the crease area.
No, a team can never have less than 3 players on the ice. If a team takes a penalty while they have three players on the ice the penalty will be served at the expiry of the penalty with the least amount of time left.
What Does a 1.5 Puck Line Mean? Puck lines in hockey are almost always set at 1.5, meaning the favorite will be listed as -1.5 while the underdog is +1.5. This means that the favorite must win by at least two goals for you to collect on your wager, while the underdog can lose by as many as one, and you win.
A hat trick as hockey fans know it comes when a player scores three goals in a game, usually earning him a cascade of hats thrown onto the ice by fans (especially if the player is on the home team). A natural hat trick is when a player scores three consecutive goals in a game.
An uninjured player on the roster who does not dress for a game. Only 20 players (22 in international competition) are allowed to dress for a game, players who are not going to play are considered scratches.
The goalie may legally hold (or freeze) the puck with his or her hands to cause a stoppage of play. If a player from the other team hits him or her without making an attempt to get out of his or her way, the offending player is penalized.
Afterward, the NHL abolished the "no crease" rule prohibiting players from entering the crease before the puck, which was generally considered a confusing rule to enforce. Under the NHL rule that stands to this day, attacking players may enter the crease but can't interfere with the goalie, per the referee's judgment.
(a) A minor penalty for delay of game shall be assessed to a player other than the goalkeeper who deliberately falls on or gathers the puck into his body, deeming the puck unplayable and causing a stoppage of play.
noun. : a penalty in field hockey that is awarded when a member of the defending team fouls inside the striking circle and thus prevents a goal and that consists of a bully five yards in front of the goal between the offending player and any member of the attacking team.
No goal can be scored as a result of the puck being propelled by the hand of an attacking player regardless if the puck enters the goal directly from the hand or deflects off of any player prior to entering the goal.
A player can intentionally raise the ball on a hit ONLY if it is a shot at goal (inside the circle and towards the goal cage). Remember, there is no such thing as a high ball* call in field hockey, only a dangerous ball call. (*The only exception is on a penalty corner if the first shot at goal is a hit.)
A slapshot (also spelled as slap shot) in ice hockey is a powerful shot. Its advantage is as a high-speed shot that can be taken from long distance; the disadvantage is the time to set it up as well as its low accuracy.
A player who receives a major penalty will remain off the ice for five minutes of play during which his team will be short-handed. A major penalty cannot end early even if a goal is scored against the short-handed team, unless the goal is scored during an overtime period (which ends the game).
A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (zero tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player : 1) Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official. 2) Taunts or incites an opponent. 3) Visually creates a disturbance during the game.
Hand pass. a pass made with the hand. It is legal when both passer and recipient are inside the defending zone, otherwise illegal. An illegal hand pass results in a stoppage of play and a faceoff at the position where the puck was passed from.
Normally, penalty calls are made by the referees. Linesmen are left to handle icing and offside violations. They can also stop play for a number of reasons, including hand passes, pucks played with a high stick, injuries, and a handful of other situations.
A player who slides or throws a stick to the goaltender is to be assessed a Minor penalty under Rule 10.5 (a) – Throwing or Shooting Stick or Object. A Penalty Shot may be awarded under this rule, if the player throws the stick at the puck or puck carrier in their defending zone.
“(b) A player or goalkeeper is not be allowed to “bat” the puck in the air, or push it along the ice with his hand, directly to a teammate unless the “hand pass” has been initiated and completed in his defending zone, in which case play shall be allowed to continue.
(c) Kicking the puck shall be permitted provided the puck is not kicked by an attacking player and entered the goal either directly or after deflecting off any player including the goalkeeper .
(a) A minor penalty for delay of game shall be assessed to a player other than the goalkeeper who deliberately falls on or gathers the puck into his body, deeming the puck unplayable and causing a stoppage of play.
There is no rule against pushing in hockey—under certain conditions. You can push away a player who is trying to take away the puck from you. You can also push a player if you're trying to get the puck away from them.
Meanwhile, linesmen make a little less than referees. A linesman new to the league makes $137,000 per season, while a veteran with 15 years of experience can make as much as $228,000, per Scouting the Refs. For perspective, the average NHL player salary is $3.5 million.
Linesmen. There are two linesmen that are responsible for calling offsides and icing and handling all faceoffs that do not take place at center ice. They do not call penalties, but can recommend to the referee that a penalty be called.
No. Rule Reference 625(b). Regardless of what player puts the puck into the goal, no goal may be scored if a player of the attacking team intentionally stands in the goal crease, with the goalkeeper in the crease, unless the puck is already in the goal crease.
The back-pass rule states that a goalkeeper is forbidden to handle the ball when passed to them by a team-mate, according to Law 12, Section 2 of the Laws of the Game.
Goaltenders can leave their crease to make a save or play the puck – as long as it's not in the trapezoid or beyond center ice. If they leave the blue paint to join a scrum, they'll be serving time.
Is a player able to bodycheck the goalie like any other opponent on the ice? The goalie in hockey is not allowed to be hit by a player. There is no instance where the goalie is 'fair game' and allowed to be checked like a regular skater, even if the goaltender is handling the puck outside of the crease area.
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