Understanding NHL Match Penalty: All You Need to Know

Whether you are a die-hard hockey fan or just a casual spectator, you may have heard of the term Match Penalty in the NHL. But what is it, and how does it differ from other types of penalties? In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to understanding everything about NHL match penalties.

Firstly, it’s essential to know that a match penalty is the most severe penalty that can be given to a player during a game. It’s usually given for deliberate and dangerous actions, such as slashing, spearing, or hitting another player in the head. The player who receives a match penalty is then removed from the game and typically faces additional consequences.

But what happens after a match penalty is called, and what are the different types of NHL penalties? And can a match penalty be overturned? We’ll be covering all of this and more, so keep reading to gain a better understanding of NHL match penalties and how they affect the game.

If you’re a hockey fan looking to increase your knowledge of the game or just a curious reader wanting to learn more about NHL match penalties, this article will provide you with all the information you need to know. From the different types of penalties to the consequences for players and teams, this guide has got you covered.

What is a Match Penalty in NHL Hockey?

If you’re a fan of the NHL, you’ve probably heard of a match penalty. This is one of the most serious penalties a player can receive in a game. But what exactly is a match penalty, and what happens when a player receives one? Let’s take a closer look.

A match penalty is a penalty that is called for a particularly violent or dangerous infraction during an NHL game. The penalty is assessed when a player deliberately attempts to injure or injures an opponent. For example, if a player hits an opponent in the head with a stick or punches an opponent in the face, they may receive a match penalty.

When a player receives a match penalty, they are immediately ejected from the game and are required to leave the playing area. The player must also sit out the remainder of the game and may face additional disciplinary action from the NHL and/or their team.

The team of the player who receives a match penalty must also serve a five-minute penalty, during which time the team is shorthanded and must defend against the opposing team’s power play. If the opposing team scores during the power play, the penalized player may return to the game, but the penalty time will continue to be served by another player on the penalized player’s team.

It’s important to note that a match penalty is not the same as a game misconduct or a major penalty. A game misconduct is assessed for various infractions, including fighting or abusing officials, and results in the player being ejected from the game, but does not require them to leave the playing area. A major penalty is assessed for serious infractions such as fighting, but the player is allowed to remain in the game.

Now that you know what a match penalty is and how it differs from other types of penalties, let’s take a look at the different types of penalties in NHL hockey and what they mean.

Definition of Match Penalty in NHL Hockey

Term	Definition	Example
Match Penalty	A severe penalty called for a deliberate and dangerous foul.	A player uses their stick to intentionally hit another player in the head.
Major Penalty	A penalty that results in the player being off the ice for five minutes.	A player intentionally hits another player from behind into the boards.
Minor Penalty	A penalty that results in the player being off the ice for two minutes.	A player interferes with another player who doesn’t have the puck.

A match penalty is the most severe penalty a player can receive in NHL hockey. It is called for a deliberate and dangerous foul, such as hitting another player with a stick, or making contact with an opponent’s head. When a player receives a match penalty, they are immediately ejected from the game and must leave the ice. In addition, the player’s team must play short-handed for five minutes, and the ejected player may face further disciplinary action from the league.

Match penalties are typically assessed when a player has shown a blatant disregard for the safety of an opponent or has engaged in particularly violent or dangerous conduct on the ice. The severity of the penalty is meant to deter players from engaging in such conduct and to ensure the safety of all players on the ice.

It’s important to note that match penalties are not common occurrences in NHL games. The majority of penalties assessed are minor or major penalties, which are less severe and often result in the player serving time in the penalty box but remaining in the game.

Types of NHL Penalties: A Brief Overview

Minor Penalty: This is a two-minute penalty for less severe infractions such as tripping, hooking, and holding.

Major Penalty: A five-minute penalty assessed for more serious infractions such as fighting, boarding, and high-sticking.

Double Minor Penalty: A four-minute penalty assessed when a player commits a minor penalty and causes an injury to the opposing player.

Misconduct Penalty: A 10-minute penalty assessed for unsportsmanlike conduct, arguing with officials, or abusive language.

Game Misconduct Penalty: A penalty that results in the player being ejected from the game. This penalty is usually assessed for more severe infractions such as fighting, checking from behind, and spearing.

Minor, Major, and Misconduct Penalties

Minor penalties are the most common types of penalties called in NHL hockey. They are issued for less severe infractions such as tripping, hooking, holding, or interference. Minor penalties result in two minutes in the penalty box for the offending player.

Major penalties are given for more serious violations such as fighting or deliberate injury to an opponent. They result in five minutes of penalty time for the offending player.

Misconduct penalties are given for unsportsmanlike conduct, such as arguing with the referees, and are separate from the game misconduct penalty. They result in ten minutes in the penalty box for the offending player but do not affect the team’s playing strength.

Game Misconduct and Match Penalties

A game misconduct penalty is a call that removes a player from the game but does not result in any additional disciplinary action. The player is not allowed to return to the game, but his team is allowed to replace him on the ice. A match penalty, on the other hand, is a serious call that can lead to a suspension and fine for the player.

A match penalty is issued for a player’s intentional attempt to injure another player or for any other serious infraction, such as slashing, spearing, or butt-ending an opponent. The player who receives a match penalty is ejected from the game, and his team is forced to play short-handed for five minutes.

Match penalties are also accompanied by an automatic review by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, which determines whether additional disciplinary action is warranted. Depending on the severity of the infraction, the player may face a suspension or fine, or both.

Bench and Penalty Shot Penalties

Bench penalties are given to coaches and players who engage in unsportsmanlike behavior, such as arguing with officials or throwing equipment onto the ice. The offending player or coach is removed from the bench for a designated period of time, and the team must play short-handed.

A penalty shot is awarded to the opposing team when a player is fouled on a breakaway or has a clear scoring opportunity taken away by an opposing player who is not in the crease area. The player who was fouled is given an opportunity to take a shot on the opposing team’s goaltender with no other players on the ice except the goaltender and the shooter.

Bench and penalty shot penalties are less common than minor, major, and misconduct penalties, but they can have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.

What Happens After a Match Penalty in NHL Hockey?

Immediate Consequences: When a player receives a match penalty, they are immediately ejected from the game and cannot return to the ice. They must also serve a five-minute major penalty, meaning their team plays short-handed for the entire five minutes, even if the other team scores.

Player Review: After the game, the NHL reviews the match penalty to determine if further disciplinary action is necessary. The player may face a suspension, fine, or both.

Team Consequences: If a player on a team receives a match penalty, the team is short-handed for the entire five-minute major penalty. This puts additional pressure on the remaining players and can impact the outcome of the game.

League Consequences: The NHL takes match penalties seriously and can impose fines, suspensions, or both on players who receive them. Repeat offenders may face more severe consequences.

Immediate Ejection from the Game

When a player receives a match penalty, they are immediately ejected from the game and cannot return. This means the team will be down a player for the remainder of the game, unless the penalty occurs during the last few minutes of the game.

After the game, the officials will submit a report to the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, who will review the incident and determine if any further disciplinary action is necessary. This could result in a suspension, fine, or both.

It’s important to note that match penalties can also carry significant consequences for the team. If a player receives a match penalty for injuring an opponent, the opposing team will be given a five-minute power play, which can be a major advantage.

Automatic Review by the NHL Department of Player Safety

After a match penalty, the incident is reviewed by the NHL Department of Player Safety, an independent department that handles disciplinary action for on-ice incidents. The review is conducted to determine if further discipline beyond the ejection from the game is warranted.

The Department of Player Safety reviews the incident from all available angles and takes into account any previous disciplinary history of the offending player. The department considers factors such as the nature and severity of the infraction, the potential for injury, and the degree of intent.

Based on the review, the department may issue a fine or a suspension to the offending player. The length of the suspension depends on the severity of the infraction and any previous disciplinary history. In some cases, the department may also require the offending player to undergo an evaluation or counseling before returning to play.

The NHL Department of Player Safety’s decisions can be appealed, but the appeal process is limited to issues of procedural fairness and the appropriateness of the discipline imposed. The appeals are heard by an independent arbitrator.

Possible Suspension and Fine

Following a Match Penalty in NHL Hockey, the player in question is automatically suspended from the game, with a mandatory review by the NHL Department of Player Safety. The review process assesses the severity of the infraction and determines the appropriate course of action, which may include a suspension, a fine, or both.

When determining the length of a suspension, the NHL takes into account the player’s history of previous infractions and the severity of the infraction itself. For particularly egregious offenses, a player may be suspended for multiple games or even for the remainder of the season.

In addition to a suspension, a player may also be fined for a Match Penalty. The amount of the fine is determined by the NHL, and it can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the infraction.

It’s important to note that not all Match Penalties result in a suspension or fine. If the NHL Department of Player Safety determines that the infraction was not severe enough to warrant further action, the player may simply receive a warning or a minor penalty.

While a Match Penalty is one of the most serious infractions in NHL hockey, it is not immune to being overturned.

If a player or team disagrees with the call, they can request a video review to be conducted by the referees or the NHL Situation Room in Toronto.

However, it is important to note that the standard for overturning a match penalty is very high. The video evidence must be conclusive and clearly show that the player did not commit the infraction for which they were penalized.

If the call is overturned, the player can return to the game and any fines or suspensions related to the match penalty are rescinded.

On the other hand, if the video review upholds the match penalty, the player may face additional disciplinary action from the NHL Department of Player Safety, including a fine, suspension, or both.

Possible to Appeal a Match Penalty Call

If a player receives a match penalty during a game, their team can request an appeal to the decision. The appeal process starts with the team submitting a formal request to the NHL within 48 hours of the game. The NHL then reviews the footage of the incident and decides whether to uphold or overturn the match penalty.

The NHL may also choose to hold a hearing to discuss the incident further. If the match penalty is overturned, any additional penalties or suspensions that were given to the player will also be lifted.

• Reversal of a match penalty call in NHL hockey is a rare occurrence.

• In order for a match penalty call to be overturned, there must be clear evidence that the on-ice officials made a mistake in assessing the penalty.

• If a team wishes to appeal a match penalty call, they must do so within a certain timeframe after the game and provide a written explanation of why they believe the call was incorrect.

It’s important to note that the NHL has a high standard for overturning a match penalty call, as the penalty is reserved for the most serious of infractions. While it is possible for a call to be reversed, it is not a common occurrence and typically requires significant evidence to do so.

How Does a Match Penalty Affect the NHL Teams?

Loss of a Key Player: A player receiving a match penalty is ejected from the game, and the team will have to play without one of their key players for the rest of the game.

Penalty Kill: If a match penalty is assessed for a major penalty, the opposing team will receive a five-minute power play, which can be detrimental to the team that committed the penalty. The team will need to have a strong penalty kill to prevent the opposing team from scoring.

Suspensions: If a player receives a match penalty, it may result in an automatic suspension pending review by the NHL Department of Player Safety. This can lead to a significant loss of the player’s services for several games.

Momentum Shift: A match penalty can shift momentum in the game, especially if the team committing the penalty was previously winning or gaining momentum.

Public Relations: A match penalty can also have negative consequences for a team’s public relations. The team may be perceived as undisciplined or unsportsmanlike, which can affect their reputation and fan base.

Forfeiture of Player for Rest of the Game

When a player receives a match penalty, they must leave the ice immediately and cannot return to the game. This means the team must play with one less player for the rest of the game, unless a substitute player is available to replace them. Losing a player can put a team at a disadvantage, especially if the player who receives the penalty is a key player.

Teams can also receive a bench penalty if a player receives a match penalty. This means that the team must play with one less player for a specific amount of time. The length of the bench penalty depends on the severity of the match penalty received by the player.

If a player receives multiple match penalties during a season, the team may face further consequences. The NHL Department of Player Safety will review the player’s conduct and may impose a suspension or fine on the player and/or team.

Overall, a match penalty can have significant consequences for both the player and the team. It is important for players to understand the rules and consequences of their actions on the ice to avoid receiving a match penalty and negatively impacting their team.

Team Required to Play Short-Handed for 5 Minutes

A match penalty in NHL hockey results in the offending team being required to play shorthanded for five minutes. This means they will have one fewer player on the ice than the opposing team for that duration. This can be a significant disadvantage, as playing shorthanded can make it difficult to defend against the other team’s offensive players.

The player who receives the match penalty is also ejected from the game and cannot be replaced by another player. This can put the team at a further disadvantage, especially if the player is a key member of the team.

After the five-minute penalty is over, the player who received the match penalty can return to the ice. However, they will still be subject to possible suspension and/or fines by the NHL Department of Player Safety.

Playing shorthanded for an extended period can also take a toll on a team’s energy and morale. It can be challenging to maintain the intensity and focus required to compete at a high level when constantly playing with fewer players.

Therefore, teams try to avoid taking match penalties as much as possible to avoid the detrimental effects it can have on their performance and chances of winning the game.

Frequently Asked Questions