When you score in hockey, what is it called? Is it a goal, a power play, or an empty net?
A lot of the time you’ll hear people talk about ‘going into the empty net’ when referring to scorers. But what exactly is an empty net? And when is it advantageous for your team to go there?
We’ll explore five situations where an empty net could come in handy.
Table of Contents
#1 – Preventing A Breakaway
The first situation is one that most hockey fans have probably experienced. The opposing team is up by one and is circling the puck at the end of the game. It’s the last play of the game and the crowd is going crazy. Everyone is focused on the puck and no one expects much coming from the defensive players. Suddenly, a player on the opposing team decides to shoot and score a quick goal. If this happens, it’s usually because the goalie did not cover up for the last bounce of the puck and the opposing team’s forward was able to race in and deflect the puck into the net.
This play can be prevented with a goaltender interference call, a penalty shot, or if the puck is shot directly at the goalkeeper in their own zone. Going into the empty net comes in handy in these situations because it forces the opposing team’s forward to either pass to a teammate or skate back and forth until the goalie eventually relocates the puck. This prevents the odd quick goal against you.
#2 – Playoff Time
The second situation where going into the empty net could prove useful is during playoff time. If you’re fortunate enough to make it to the playoffs, you’ll know what we’re talking about. The games will be much more intense and the scoring will be at an all-time high. During these situations, an empty net could help minimize the damage and confusion that comes with the added intensity. Whether you’re playing in the first round of the playoffs or are in the second or third round, entering the empty net will let your opponent know you mean business and that you’re not going to back down.
#3 – Preventing A One-Timer
A one-timer is a powerful tool in the hands of a high-quality shooter. It’s the explosive release of a single shot that the shooter scores with. If you know or expect that a one-timer is coming, it’s often the perfect opportunity to go into the empty net. The goalie has little or no chance of stopping a one-timer, so there’s no chance of their crashing to the ice if they don’t want to. Plus, the defender has less chance of getting burned if the goalie stays in the net.
The downside is that a one-timer takes a lot of concentration and you can’t afford to waste a lot of mental energy on something so you can stop it. It’s often better to box out or check the ball as it comes towards you than to go into the empty net. Simply put, if you don’t have the ball trapped, don’t go to the goalie—go somewhere else!
#4 – Preventing A Behind-The-Net Opportunity
A behind-the-net opportunity is when the opposing team has the puck deep in your zone and is looking for a way to score. As a defenseman, you’re in the perfect position to stop a puck that is behind your net because there’s no one in front of it. If the puck is shot past your goaltender and into the net, it’s often referred to as a ‘ghost-in-the-backcheck’ play. Going into the empty net in this situation is a great way to prevent the quick goal and keep the puck out of your net.
#5 – Preventing A Breakaway From The Blocked Shot
Some goalies are just better than others at avoiding trouble while on the ice. However, even the best goalies can’t avoid all breakaways. If you’re playing against a team that possesses high speed and good passing skills, it’s often a recipe for disaster when the opposing team decides to attack your goalie. Going into the empty net in this situation can help by forcing the opposing team to pass or shoot the puck once they’ve established a lead.
In short, entering the empty net is a great way to stop a breakaway if you’re playing against a skilled team that is looking to get the puck past you. Just make sure you don’t dive too far and leave yourself open for a slapshot to the face!
Hopefully, this article will help you understand what is it called when you score in hockey. As you may have guessed, it varies by situation. Sometimes, it’s a perfect pass to a teammate that hits the net; other times, it’s a one-timer from the blueline.
In addition, some goalies like to take aggressive approaches towards the puck and their goal area, leaving themselves open for a slapshot to the head. Be careful out there!