Face-Off

This is the method by which the puck is put into play. During a face-off, one player from each team lines up to face each other at one of the rink's nine face-off spots. The referee or linesman drops the puck between the players, who then battle for possession.

Length of the Game

In the NHL, the game is divided into three 20-minute periods. Since the clock is stopped when the play is stopped, one period will usually take up to 35 minutes to play. There is a 15-minute intermission between periods during which time the ice is resurfaced. During the regular season, if the score is even (tied) after three periods of regulation play, the teams will play an additional overtime period of not more than five minutes, with the team scoring first (sudden death) declared the winner and awarded an additional point. The overtime period is played with only four skaters and one goaltender per team. If no one scores during the 5:00 overtime session, the game proceeds to a shootout round. During the regular season teams will be awarded two points for a win (in regulation, overtime, or shootout) and one point for an overtime loss or a shootout loss.

During the playoffs, if the score is tied after three periods of play, 20-minute sudden death overtime periods are played, with the regular five on five format used, until a team scores.

Team Standings

Regular Season: Regular season standings are determined by points awarded according to a team's won/lost record. A team is awarded two points for a win, one point for an overtime loss or shootout loss and zero points for a loss.

Playoffs: At the end of the regular season, the top eight teams in each conference advance to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the playoff conference champions will face each other in the Stanley Cup Finals. When the playoffs are complete, the two finalists will have played in four best-of-seven series (16-28 games) over the course of the playoffs.

Officials

In the National Hockey League, four officials enforce the rules on the ice. The referees, who are distinguished by orange armbands, call violations and penalties and have the final decision on any dispute. The referees are assisted by linesmen who call off-side, icing and penalties under unique circumstances.

Tools of the Trade

Puck: The puck is six ounces of solid vulcanized rubber, three inches in diameter and one inch thick. The pucks are frozen prior to the start of a game to make them bounce resistant, and can travel at speeds exceeding 100 mph.

Stick: Historically constructed of wood in the old days, sticks are now made of many different materials including aluminum, graphite, and kevlar. There are one- and two-piece models for players other than the goalies. On the two-piece models, the blade is attached to the shaft about six inches up from the heel of the stick blade, using heat or some sort of locking system.

Skates: Traditionally made of leather, manufacturers now utilize a combination of materials (kevlar/graphite) when designing a skate boot to make it light, stiff, durable and more protective.

Protective Equipment: Hockey is a collision sport where high-tech protective gear is a must for all players. Shoulder pads, elbow pads, shinguards, gloves, padded pants, mouth guards and helmets are worn by all players. Some players also wear a visor on their helmet to protect their eyes from high-flying sticks and pucks. Goalie equipment differs slightly from regular player equipment.