Hockey is one of the most popular sports in North America, with a rich history that spans over a century. It’s a game of speed, agility, and strategy, where players battle it out on the ice to score goals and win the game. But have you ever wondered what three goals in hockey are called? It’s a mystery that has intrigued fans for years, and in this article, we’re going to unveil the answer.
Before we get to the answer, let’s start with the basics. In hockey, scoring a goal is the ultimate objective. It’s what players strive for and what fans cheer for. The more goals a team scores, the better their chances are of winning the game. But what happens when a player scores three goals in a single game? That’s where things get interesting.
Scoring three goals in a single game is a rare feat that’s only achieved by the best of the best. It’s an accomplishment that deserves recognition, and that’s why it has a special name. So, what is it called? Without further ado, let’s find out.
Ready to discover the answer? Keep reading to learn what three goals in hockey are called and the history behind this special achievement. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to learn about hockey, this article is for you.
Table of Contents
The Basics: Understanding Hockey Scoring
Scoring is a fundamental aspect of hockey that adds excitement to the game. Understanding how to score and what the different types of goals are can help you appreciate the game even more.
In this article, we will cover the basics of hockey scoring, including the different types of goals and how they are scored, the role of assists, and the importance of goal differentials.
Types of Goals
- Even-strength goal: This is a goal scored when both teams have the same number of players on the ice.
- Power-play goal: This is a goal scored by a team with a numerical advantage due to a penalty on the opposing team.
- Short-handed goal: This is a goal scored by a team that is killing a penalty and has fewer players on the ice than the opposing team.
Scoring a Goal
To score a goal in hockey, the puck must fully cross the goal line and enter the net. The player who last touched the puck before it entered the net is credited with the goal.
Assists are also an important aspect of scoring. An assist is awarded to the player who passed the puck to the goal scorer, or to the player who made a significant play that led to the goal.
Goal Differentials
Goal differential is the difference between the number of goals a team scores and the number of goals it allows. It is used as a tiebreaker in some leagues and can be a crucial statistic in determining playoff spots.
Understanding the basics of hockey scoring can enhance your viewing experience and help you appreciate the skill and strategy involved in the game. Keep reading to learn more about the nuances of hockey scoring and become an even more knowledgeable fan.
1 Goal, 2 Goals…What’s Next?
Scoring a goal is a thrilling experience for any hockey player. Whether it’s their first goal or their fiftieth, it’s a moment that’s sure to be remembered. But what happens after a team scores? Are all goals created equal? Let’s take a look at what happens after 1 goal, 2 goals, and beyond.
After a team scores a goal, the game continues until the end of the period. However, the team that scored has the momentum and may try to capitalize on it by scoring again. If they do, they have scored 2 goals, and this is often called a “two-goal lead”. At this point, the opposing team may become more defensive in an attempt to prevent the other team from scoring again.
1 Goal Lead
When a team scores a goal, they have a “one-goal lead”. This means that they are ahead by one point, and the opposing team is behind by one point. This can be a precarious position for the team in the lead, as they must work hard to maintain their lead and prevent the other team from scoring. The team that is behind may become more aggressive in their play in an attempt to score and tie the game.
2 Goal Lead
As mentioned earlier, a “two-goal lead” occurs when a team scores two goals. This can be a significant advantage, as it gives the team some breathing room and allows them to play a more defensive game. However, the opposing team may become more aggressive in their play in an attempt to score and narrow the gap.
- When a team has a two-goal lead, they may also start playing a more “dump and chase” style of game. This involves dumping the puck into the opposing team’s zone and then chasing after it, putting pressure on the other team’s defense.
- If a team is able to score a third goal and take a “three-goal lead”, this can be a significant advantage and may result in the opposing team making strategic changes to their play in an attempt to catch up.
Tying the Game
When a team is behind, their goal is to tie the game and bring it to overtime. This means that they need to score at least one more goal than the other team to even the score. In some cases, a team may pull their goalie in the final minutes of the game in order to gain an extra attacker and increase their chances of scoring.
- If a team is successful in tying the game, they have effectively erased the other team’s lead and the game starts over again.
- If the game remains tied at the end of regulation, it will go into overtime, where the first team to score wins the game.
So, whether it’s a one-goal lead, a two-goal lead, or a tie game, every moment in hockey is filled with excitement and anticipation. The thrill of the game is what keeps players and fans coming back for more.
The Three-Goal Feat: A Rare Occurrence?
Scoring a goal in hockey is no easy feat. It requires skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. But what about scoring three goals in a single game? That’s a rare occurrence indeed. While hat-tricks, as they’re commonly known, do happen from time to time, they’re still a cause for celebration. Let’s explore this impressive feat and see just how rare it really is.
First, it’s important to note that not all hat-tricks are created equal. In fact, there are two different types of hat-tricks in hockey. The first is a natural hat-trick, which occurs when a player scores three consecutive goals in a single game, without any other player on either team scoring a goal in between. The second type of hat-trick is simply when a player scores three goals in a game, regardless of whether they were scored consecutively or not.
The Rarity of a Natural Hat-Trick
- Scoring three consecutive goals in a single game is a difficult task, which is why natural hat-tricks are so rare. In fact, they only occur in about 1% of all NHL games.
- Since the 2005-2006 NHL season, there have been a total of 360 natural hat-tricks in the regular season. That’s an average of just over 22 per season.
The Rarity of a Hat-Trick
- While scoring three goals in a game is still an impressive feat, it’s not quite as rare as a natural hat-trick.
- During the 2019-2020 NHL regular season, there were a total of 334 hat-tricks scored. That’s an average of just over 4 per team over the course of an 82-game season.
The Most Hat-Tricks in a Single Season
While hat-tricks are rare, some players seem to have a knack for scoring them. Here are the top five players with the most hat-tricks in a single NHL season:
- Wayne Gretzky: Gretzky holds the record for the most hat-tricks in a single season, with 10 during the 1981-1982 season.
- Mario Lemieux: Lemieux is tied for second place with 9 hat-tricks during the 1988-1989 season.
- Alexander Mogilny: Mogilny also had 9 hat-tricks during the 1992-1993 season, tying him for second place with Lemieux.
- Brett Hull: Hull had 8 hat-tricks during the 1990-1991 season.
- Phil Esposito: Esposito had 8 hat-tricks during the 1970-1971 season.
Scoring three goals in a single hockey game is no easy feat, and natural hat-tricks are even more rare. But when it does happen, it’s an exciting moment for both players and fans alike. So the next time you see a player score three goals in a game, be sure to appreciate just how impressive that achievement really is.
So Close, Yet So Far: Near Misses for a Hat Trick
Scoring a hat trick is one of the most coveted achievements for any soccer player, but sometimes even the most talented players fall just short of this rare feat. In this post, we’ll explore some of the closest near misses for a hat trick in soccer history.
Despite coming so close, many players have fallen just short of a hat trick by hitting the post or having a shot saved by a goalkeeper. Some have even been denied by their own teammates stealing the chance to score the third goal. Let’s take a closer look at some of these near misses.
The Woodwork Denies Ronaldo
- In a match against Barcelona in 2012, Cristiano Ronaldo scored two stunning goals and came agonizingly close to a hat trick when his shot hit the post in the dying minutes of the game. The crowd held their breath as the ball ricocheted off the post and back into play, denying Ronaldo his chance at a hat trick.
- Ronaldo, Barcelona, post
Tevez Foiled by Heroic Goalkeeping
- Carlos Tevez had a chance to score a hat trick for Manchester City in a match against Stoke City in 201With the score at 2-1, Tevez went one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but his shot was brilliantly saved. Tevez had several other chances to complete his hat trick, but was thwarted by the goalkeeper’s heroics.
- Tevez, Manchester City, goalkeeper
Lewandowski Denied by Teammate
- In a match against Freiburg in 2013, Robert Lewandowski scored two quick goals for Borussia Dortmund and had a great chance to complete his hat trick. However, his teammate Henrikh Mkhitaryan stole the ball and scored instead, denying Lewandowski his chance at a hat trick.
- Lewandowski, Borussia Dortmund, Mkhitaryan
Despite the heartbreak of falling short, these near misses only add to the allure and excitement of a potential hat trick in soccer. Who knows, maybe the next time one of these players will finally complete the rare feat.
Record-Breaking Performances: Memorable 3-Goal Games
Scoring a hat trick is a remarkable achievement for any soccer player, but some players have gone above and beyond by scoring not just three, but four or even five goals in a single game. These record-breaking performances are a testament to the skill and tenacity of these players, and they have earned their place in soccer history.
Here are some of the most memorable 3-goal games in soccer history:
Lionel Messi
- In March 2007, Lionel Messi scored his first hat trick for FC Barcelona in a game against Real Madrid.
- In March 2010, Messi scored four goals in a game against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League.
- In May 2011, Messi scored three goals in the final of the Champions League against Manchester United, helping Barcelona secure their fourth title.
Cristiano Ronaldo
- In November 2014, Cristiano Ronaldo scored three goals in a game against Athletic Bilbao.
- In September 2015, Ronaldo scored five goals in a game against Espanyol, becoming the first player in Real Madrid’s history to score five goals in a single game.
- In May 2017, Ronaldo scored three goals in the semi-final of the Champions League against Atletico Madrid, helping Real Madrid advance to the final.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- In October 2015, Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored four goals in a game against Anderlecht in the Champions League, becoming the only player to score four goals in a Champions League game twice.
- In March 2018, Ibrahimovic scored two goals in his debut for LA Galaxy in a game against LAFC, including a stunning long-range strike that will go down in MLS history.
- In May 2021, Ibrahimovic scored two goals in a game against Inter Milan, becoming the oldest player in Serie A history to score 15 goals in a single season.
These performances by Messi, Ronaldo, and Ibrahimovic are just a few examples of the incredible skill and talent that have made them among the greatest soccer players of all time. Their record-breaking games will be remembered for years to come and continue to inspire future generations of players.
Beyond the NHL: Different Names for 3 Goals in Other Leagues
In the NHL, scoring three goals in a game is referred to as a hat trick. But did you know that other hockey leagues around the world have their own unique names for this accomplishment?
Here are some examples:
The KHL:
- Golden Game
- Top Game
- Platinum Game
The Swedish Hockey League (SHL):
The SHL refers to a three-goal game as a tre kronor, which means “three crowns” in Swedish.
Other European leagues also use this term, including the Swiss National League and the Finnish Liiga.
The Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL):
- Burger Game: Named after Amanda Kessel, who scored a hat trick in a game where fans received free burgers from a local restaurant chain.
- Turkey Game: Named after Marie-Philip Poulin, who scored three goals in a game where fans received free turkeys for Thanksgiving.
- Taco Game: Named after Hilary Knight, who scored three goals in a game where fans received free tacos from a local restaurant chain.
These different names for a three-goal game add a unique flair to hockey around the world. Whether it’s a hat trick or a tre kronor, scoring three goals in a game is always an impressive feat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hat trick in hockey?
A hat trick in hockey is when a player scores three goals in a single game. It is a notable achievement in the sport and is celebrated by fans and players alike. The term “hat trick” originated in cricket, where it was used to describe a bowler taking three wickets in a row. In hockey, fans often throw hats onto the ice to celebrate a hat trick.
What is a natural hat trick in hockey?
A natural hat trick in hockey is when a player scores three consecutive goals in a single game. The term “natural” is used to indicate that the goals were scored without any other player on the same team scoring a goal in between. It is a rare and impressive accomplishment, and it requires a player to be in a state of flow and have a good sense of the game.
What is a Gordie Howe hat trick?
A Gordie Howe hat trick is when a player scores a goal, gets an assist, and gets into a fight in a single game. The term is named after Gordie Howe, a legendary hockey player known for his toughness and all-around play. Howe recorded two hat tricks of this type in his career and is often cited as the best all-around player in the history of the sport.
What is a four-goal game in hockey?
A four-goal game in hockey is when a player scores four goals in a single game. It is a rare accomplishment that requires a combination of skill, opportunity, and luck. Four-goal games are more rare than hat tricks and are considered a significant achievement for a player.
What is a five-goal game in hockey?
A five-goal game in hockey is when a player scores five goals in a single game. It is an extremely rare accomplishment that has only been achieved a few dozen times in the history of the NHL. It requires a player to have an exceptional game and to be in the right place at the right time to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
What is a six-goal game in hockey?
A six-goal game in hockey is when a player scores six goals in a single game. It is an almost unimaginable feat that has only been accomplished a few times in the history of the NHL. It requires a combination of exceptional skill, opportunity, and luck, and is considered one of the greatest individual accomplishments in the sport.