IHM Knowledge Center
What Is a Shootout in Ice Hockey?
When a hockey game remains tied after overtime, how does the shootout decide the winner, and why is it different from normal gameplay?
Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: April 19, 2026
Short Answer
A shootout is a tiebreaker where selected players take one-on-one attempts against the goalie. The team with more shootout goals after the required rounds wins the game.
Full Explanation
A shootout is used when a game remains tied after overtime in competitions that require a winner. Instead of continuing full team play, the game shifts to individual shooter-versus-goalie attempts.
Each team selects shooters, and they alternate attempts. In many leagues, the shootout begins with three rounds. If one team scores more goals after those rounds, that team wins.
If the score remains tied after the initial rounds, the shootout continues in sudden-death format, where each team gets one attempt per round until one team scores and the other does not.
The shootout decides the game result, but it is not treated the same as normal game scoring. Individual shootout goals usually do not count toward regular goal totals.
NHL vs IIHF Rule Differences
In the NHL regular season, shootouts are used after overtime to decide tied games. The winning team receives the extra standings point, and the final score is usually recorded with one additional goal for the shootout winner.
In NHL playoff games, shootouts are not used. Play continues through sudden-death overtime periods until a goal is scored.
IIHF tournaments can use shootouts after overtime depending on tournament stage and competition rules. In medal or elimination games, formats can vary, and some events use extended overtime before a shootout.
How Shooter Order Works
Teams choose which players take shootout attempts, usually selecting players with strong puck control, deception, release timing, and composure under pressure.
Coaches often balance skill with psychological profile. A player with elite hands may not always be the best choice if they struggle under slow, isolated pressure.
Goalies also prepare differently for shootouts. They study shooter tendencies, preferred angles, release points, forehand-backhand patterns, and speed changes.
Why These Decisions Are Controversial
Shootouts are controversial because they decide a team game through individual skill moments.
Many fans enjoy the drama, but others argue that a shootout does not reflect full hockey structure, systems, line depth, forecheck pressure, or defensive organization.
Controversy usually comes from:
- Games being decided outside normal team play
- Goalie and shooter psychology outweighing team performance
- Different rules between regular season and playoffs
- Standings points being affected by individual attempts
Edge Case: Shootout Attempt Stops or Moves Backward
A key edge case occurs when a shooter slows down, loses control, or appears to stop during the attempt.
The puck must generally keep moving toward the goal line. A player cannot circle back, reverse direction, or take a second attempt after the goalie makes a save or the puck stops moving forward.
If the shooter loses the puck and it continues forward legally, the attempt may continue. If the puck stops, moves clearly backward, or the player replays it illegally, the attempt is over.
IHM Signal System: How to Read the Situation
To understand shootout legality and success, focus on these signals:
- Forward-motion signal: Is the puck continuing toward the net?
- Control signal: Does the shooter still control the puck legally?
- Goalie-read signal: Does the shooter force the goalie to commit first?
Trigger-level rule:
If the puck stops moving forward or the shooter makes a second playable attempt after losing the first chance, the shootout attempt is almost always over.
If the puck remains in legal forward motion and the shooter maintains control, the attempt continues.
IHM Insight: Why This Rule Is Misunderstood
This rule is misunderstood because fans often treat the shootout like a breakaway, but it is not exactly the same.
A real breakaway happens inside live play with defenders chasing, rebounds possible, and game structure continuing. A shootout is controlled, isolated, and ends once the attempt is completed.
That is why rebounds do not continue and why shooter motion rules matter so much.
Mini Q&A
When is a shootout used?
When a game remains tied after overtime in competitions that use shootouts.
How many rounds are in a shootout?
Usually three initial rounds, followed by sudden death if tied.
Do shootout goals count as player goals?
Usually no, they decide the game but do not count as normal goals.
Are shootouts used in NHL playoffs?
No, NHL playoff games use continuous sudden-death overtime.
Can a shooter take a rebound?
No, once the original attempt is stopped or missed, the attempt is over.
Why This Rule Exists
The shootout exists to decide tied games quickly while creating a clear winner without extending regular-season games indefinitely.
It adds drama and entertainment value, but it is separated from playoff-style hockey because it does not represent full team structure.
Key Takeaways
- A shootout is a one-on-one tiebreaker
- Teams alternate shooter attempts
- Sudden death begins if the initial rounds are tied
- Rebounds are not played in a shootout
- NHL playoffs do not use shootouts