The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Five Minute Major Penalties in Hockey

Welcome to The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Five Minute Major Penalties in Hockey. Hockey is a fast-paced and physical game, and sometimes players break the rules. One of the most severe penalties in hockey is the five minute major, which can have a significant impact on the game’s outcome. In this guide, we’ll dive into the details of what a five minute major is, how a player can receive one, and what the consequences are for both the player and the team.

Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to hockey, understanding the rules and penalties is essential. The five minute major is a penalty that can change the course of a game, and knowing when it’s called and why can give you an advantage in predicting the game’s outcome.

So, let’s lace up our skates and hit the ice as we explore everything you need to know about the five minute major penalty in hockey!

Ready to become a penalty-killing expert? Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about the five minute major in hockey!

What is a Five Minute Major in Hockey?

Ice hockey is an intense and fast-paced sport that requires a lot of discipline from its players. One type of penalty that can be assessed by the referees is the five minute major penalty. It is a severe penalty that can significantly affect the outcome of a game. In this article, we will take a closer look at what a five minute major penalty is and how it affects the players and teams involved.

A five minute major penalty is a punishment that is assessed to a player who commits a severe infraction during a game. It is called a “major” penalty because it is more severe than a minor penalty, which is only two minutes. When a player receives a five minute major penalty, they must serve the entire five minutes in the penalty box, regardless of whether the opposing team scores a goal during that time.

The types of infractions that can result in a five minute major penalty include high sticking, cross-checking, boarding, and charging. These infractions can cause significant harm to the opposing player and are considered dangerous plays. The referees have the discretion to assess a five minute major penalty based on their judgment of the severity of the infraction.

It’s important to note that not all infractions that result in injuries will lead to a five minute major penalty. The referees will assess the severity of the infraction and determine if a major penalty is warranted. If the infraction is deemed to be accidental, the player may only receive a minor penalty, which is two minutes.

Understanding the five minute major penalty is crucial for both players and fans of ice hockey. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into how a player can receive a five minute major penalty, what the consequences are, and how it differs from a game misconduct penalty.

Definition of a Five Minute Major Penalty

A five minute major penalty is a type of penalty in ice hockey that results in the player serving the penalty spending five minutes in the penalty box without the possibility of being replaced. During this time, their team must play shorthanded, meaning they have one less player on the ice than their opponents. A major penalty is typically given for more serious infractions and can lead to significant consequences for the offending player and their team.

To be given a five minute major penalty, a player must commit a major penalty offense, which is one that is considered more serious than a minor penalty but less serious than a game misconduct. Major penalties are given for actions such as boarding, charging, fighting, and high-sticking. They can result in significant consequences, including suspensions and fines, depending on the severity of the offense.

Unlike a minor penalty, which can be served in its entirety if a goal is scored by the opposing team, a five minute major penalty cannot be ended early by a goal. The full five minutes must be served, even if the other team scores multiple goals during that time. Additionally, if the offending team commits another penalty during the five minute major, the penalty time will be extended by two minutes for each additional penalty.

A five minute major penalty can have a significant impact on a game, especially if it occurs during a critical moment. With one player off the ice, the shorthanded team must work hard to defend their goal and prevent the opposing team from scoring. Meanwhile, the team with the power play has a significant advantage and may be able to score multiple goals during the penalty, potentially changing the outcome of the game.

How Does a Player Receive a Five Minute Major Penalty?

High-Sticking: One of the most common ways to get a five minute major is through high-sticking. If a player makes contact with an opponent’s head or neck area with their stick, they will receive a five minute major penalty.

Boarding: Another way to receive a five minute major penalty is through boarding. If a player checks an opponent violently from behind and they go headfirst into the boards, the player who committed the infraction will be assessed a five minute major penalty.

Fighting: When a fight breaks out between two players, they will each receive a five minute major penalty for fighting. However, if one player gets the upper hand and starts to cause serious harm to their opponent, they may be assessed an additional five minute major penalty for fighting with intent to injure.

• High-sticking: When a player lifts their stick too high and hits an opposing player in the head or face.

• Boarding: When a player pushes an opposing player violently into the boards surrounding the rink.

• Checking from behind: When a player hits an opposing player from behind, causing them to hit the boards headfirst.

• Fighting: When two or more players engage in a physical altercation and throw punches at each other.

A player may also receive a five minute major penalty for any other infraction that results in serious injury to an opposing player. It’s important to note that the severity of the infraction, and not the injury itself, is what determines the penalty.

How Officials Determine a Five Minute Major Penalty

Severity of the infraction: Officials consider the severity of the infraction when deciding whether to assess a five-minute major penalty. Some actions, such as checking from behind or boarding, are more likely to result in a major penalty than others.

Injury to the victim: If the victim of the infraction is injured as a result, officials are more likely to assess a five-minute major penalty. If the injury is severe enough, the offending player may also receive a game misconduct or a match penalty.

Intent: Officials also consider the intent of the offending player when assessing a five-minute major penalty. If the player intended to injure the victim, the penalty is likely to be more severe than if the infraction was accidental.

Referee discretion: Ultimately, the decision to assess a five-minute major penalty is left up to the discretion of the officials. They have the authority to assess the penalty if they believe it is warranted based on the circumstances of the infraction.

What are the Consequences of a Five Minute Major Penalty?

A five-minute major penalty in hockey is one of the most severe infractions a player can receive, and the consequences can be significant for both the team and the player.

Loss of player: The player who receives the five-minute major penalty is ejected from the game and must serve the full five minutes in the penalty box, leaving their team short-handed for that duration of time.

Power play for the opposing team: The opposing team is awarded a power play for the entire five-minute duration or until they score a goal.

Possible suspension: If the penalty is deemed to be particularly severe or dangerous, the player may face a suspension or other disciplinary action from the league.

Impact on the game: A five-minute major penalty can completely change the momentum of a game, giving the opposing team a significant advantage and making it difficult for the penalized team to recover.

Impact on the player: A player who receives a five-minute major penalty may face criticism from fans, teammates, and coaches, and the penalty may also result in fines or other disciplinary actions from the league.

Immediate Consequences for the Player and Team

Player: A player who receives a five minute major penalty is immediately ejected from the game and must serve a minimum five minute penalty in the penalty box, even if the opposing team scores during the power play. In addition to missing the remainder of the game, the player may also face further disciplinary action from the league.

Team: The team of the penalized player must play shorthanded for the entire five minute penalty, unless the opposing team scores a goal before the five minutes elapse. The team may substitute a player from the bench after two minutes have elapsed, but must continue playing shorthanded for the remaining three minutes.

Coach: The coach of the penalized player may also face consequences, such as fines or suspension, if the infraction is deemed egregious or a pattern of behavior from the team.

Momentum Shift: A five minute major penalty can often be a turning point in a game. The penalized team may lose momentum, while the opposing team gains momentum, resulting in a significant shift in the game’s dynamics.

Scoring Opportunities: A five minute major penalty provides the opposing team with a significant advantage, often resulting in numerous scoring opportunities. If the opposing team scores multiple goals during the power play, the game may become out of reach for the penalized team.

Long-Term Consequences for the Player and Team

Suspension: Depending on the severity of the infraction, a player who receives a five minute major penalty may be suspended for additional games, meaning they will not be able to play with their team until the suspension is lifted.

Fine: In addition to a suspension, players who commit infractions that result in a five minute major penalty may also be fined by the league, resulting in a financial penalty for both the player and the team.

Reputation: If a player becomes known for committing dangerous infractions that lead to five minute major penalties, their reputation may suffer, and other players may view them as a liability on the ice. This can make it difficult for the player to find a team willing to sign them in the future.

Loss of Momentum: A five minute major penalty can disrupt a team’s momentum and lead to a loss of confidence on the ice, which can be difficult to recover from. This can have a long-term impact on the team’s performance and overall success in the league.

Loss of Respect: In addition to the immediate consequences for the player and team, a five minute major penalty can also lead to a loss of respect from fans, other players, and even the media. This can damage the team’s reputation and make it more difficult for them to attract fans and sponsors in the future.

Understanding the consequences of a five minute major penalty is essential for both players and fans of the game. By recognizing the severity of these infractions, we can work to promote safer play on the ice and ensure a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Can a Team Score During a Five Minute Major Penalty Kill?

It is rare, but a team can score during a five minute major penalty kill. This is called a shorthanded goal, and it occurs when the team that is down a player scores a goal against the team with the man advantage.

Scoring a shorthanded goal can be a turning point in the game, as it gives the team a boost of momentum while also limiting the amount of time left on the penalty.

However, scoring a shorthanded goal is not easy. The team that is down a player is at a disadvantage, and they typically focus on defense rather than offense during penalty kill situations.

In addition, the team with the man advantage can still score a power play goal during a five minute major penalty, which would cancel out any shorthanded goal scored by the opposing team.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Power Play

• Advantage: The team on the power play has an extra skater on the ice, giving them a numerical advantage and making it easier to move the puck around the offensive zone.
• Disadvantage: The team on the power play may become complacent and start making risky passes or taking low-percentage shots, which can lead to turnovers and even shorthanded goals for the opposing team.
• Advantage: The team on the power play has more time and space to set up plays and take shots, as the penalty-killing team is typically focused on defending their own zone and clearing the puck.
• Disadvantage: The penalty-killing team may be more aggressive in their defensive strategy, putting pressure on the power play team and potentially causing turnovers or mistakes.

Overall, the power play can be a valuable opportunity for a team to score a goal and gain momentum in the game. However, it requires strong teamwork, discipline, and strategy to effectively take advantage of the extra player on the ice and avoid giving up shorthanded goals.

Memorable Moments Involving Five Minute Major Penalty Kills

Miracle on Manchester: In 1982, the Los Angeles Kings rallied from a 5-0 deficit to beat the Edmonton Oilers 6-5 in a playoff game. The Kings scored three times during a major penalty kill in the third period.

Patrick Roy’s heroics: In the 2002 playoffs, goaltender Patrick Roy helped lead the Colorado Avalanche to a series win over the Los Angeles Kings. In the pivotal Game 6, Roy made several key saves during a major penalty kill in the third period.

The Bruins’ comeback: In the 2013 playoffs, the Boston Bruins scored four times during a five-minute major penalty to eliminate the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 of their series. The comeback was led by Patrice Bergeron, who scored two goals during the power play.

The Golden Knights’ historic penalty kill: In the 2018 playoffs, the Vegas Golden Knights became the first team in NHL history to sweep a playoff series in which they faced a major penalty kill. The Golden Knights killed off a five-minute major against the Los Angeles Kings in Game 1 of their first-round series.

How Does a Five Minute Major Penalty Differ from a Game Misconduct?

Definition: A game misconduct is a penalty that ejects a player from the game, while a five minute major penalty keeps a player in the game but puts his team at a disadvantage for five minutes.

Severity: A game misconduct is usually given for more severe infractions, such as fighting, spearing, or checking from behind. A five minute major penalty is typically given for less severe infractions, such as high-sticking or cross-checking.

Consequences: A player who receives a game misconduct is ejected from the game and may face additional disciplinary action from the league. A player who receives a five minute major penalty serves the penalty but can return to the game after it expires.

Differences in Penalties and Consequences

Penalties: A five minute major penalty and a game misconduct are two separate penalties that can be given to a player, but they are not the same thing.

Time in the box: A five minute major penalty is a time-limited penalty that requires the player to sit in the penalty box for the full five minutes, regardless of whether the opposing team scores. A game misconduct, on the other hand, is a more severe penalty that results in immediate expulsion from the game and suspension from the next game.

Impact on the team: While a five minute major penalty results in a player being in the penalty box for a set amount of time, the team is still able to play with five skaters on the ice. In contrast, a game misconduct penalty results in the player being removed from the game, and the team is forced to play with one less skater for the remainder of the game.

Severity of the penalty: A five minute major penalty is considered a serious penalty and can result in a significant advantage for the opposing team. However, a game misconduct penalty is even more severe and can have a more significant impact on both the player and the team.

Frequently Asked Questions