If you have ever watched a hockey game and noticed a referee raising their arm while play continues, you have probably witnessed a delayed penalty. This situation can be confusing for newer fans, especially when the goalie suddenly leaves the net and an extra skater joins the action.
A delayed penalty is an important part of hockey because it allows the team that did not commit the infraction to maintain its offensive opportunity.
Whether you are watching the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at Mohegan Arena or following a game on television, understanding a hockey delayed penalty can make the action easier to follow.
What Does a “Delayed Penalty” Mean in Hockey?
A delayed penalty occurs when a player commits an infraction, but the referee does not immediately stop play because the opposing team controls the puck. Instead, the referee raises an arm to signal that a penalty will be assessed.
According toRule 15.1 of the NHL Rulebook, play continues until the offending team gains control of the puck. Once that happens, the referee blows the whistle and assesses the penalty.
This allows the non-offending team to continue an offensive play rather than losing possession because of the opposing team’s infraction.
How Does a Delayed Penalty Work?
A delayed penalty generally follows a predictable sequence.
A player commits an infraction. The referee identifies an offense such as hooking, tripping, or slashing.
The referee raises an arm. This signals that a penalty will be called when play stops.
The non-offending team keeps possession. The team can continue passing, skating, and attempting to score.
The offending team gains control. The referee blows the whistle to stop play.
The penalty is assessed. The penalized player may be sent to the penalty box, depending on the infraction.
If the non-offending team scores before the whistle, the consequences depend on the type of penalty being called.
Why Does the Goalie Leave the Net During a Delayed Penalty?
One of the most recognizable moments during a delayed penalty occurs when the non-offending team’s goalie skates toward the bench. The coach replaces the goalie with an additional skater, giving the team another offensive player.
Why Is Pulling the Goalie Usually Safe?
During a delayed penalty, play normally stops when the offending team gains control of the puck. That means the offending team generally cannot develop a normal scoring opportunity before the whistle.
However, there is still a risk. If the non-offending team accidentally sends the puck into its own empty net, a goal may count.
What Is a Six-on-Five Advantage?
When a team replaces its goalie with another skater during normal five-on-five play, it can attack with six skaters against five. This is called a six-on-five advantage.
The additional skater gives the attacking team more passing options and potentially creates a better scoring opportunity. Unlike a traditional power play, the penalized player has not yet been sent to the penalty box.
What Happens if a Team Scores During a Delayed Penalty?
A goal scored during a delayed penalty can affect whether the penalty is enforced.
If the Penalty Is a Minor Penalty
When the non-offending team scores during a delayed minor penalty, the goal counts, and the pending minor penalty is typically not assessed. However, existing penalties or multiple infractions can affect how the rule is applied. For example, imagine the Penguins draw a hooking penalty while maintaining possession.
The referee raises an arm, the Penguins continue attacking, and they score before the opposing team touches the puck. The goal counts, and the delayed minor penalty is generally not assessed.
If the Penalty Is a Major Penalty
Major penalties are handled differently. If the non-offending team scores during a delayed major penalty, the goal counts, but the major penalty is still assessed. The offending player must serve the applicable penalty time.
What About Double-Minor Penalties?
If a team scores during a delayed double-minor penalty, the penalty is generally reduced by two minutes.
For example, a four-minute high-sticking penalty may become a two-minute penalty after the non-offending team scores. Additional penalties or an existing power play can change how these rules are applied.
What Is the Difference Between a Delayed Penalty and a Power Play?
Although delayed penalties and power plays are connected, they are not the same.
Delayed Penalty
Power Play
Referee signals an upcoming penalty.
Penalty has already been assessed.
Play continues until the offending team gains control.
Play resumes after the penalty is assessed.
The attacking team may pull its goalie.
The penalized team normally plays with fewer skaters.
A goal may cancel a pending minor penalty.
A goal may end an active minor penalty.
A delayed penalty often leads to a power play, but a goal scored before the whistle may eliminate the pending minor penalty.
Can a Team Score on Its Own Net During a Delayed Penalty?
Yes. Although uncommon, an own goal can occur during a delayed penalty. For example, a player might attempt a backward pass while their goalie is on the bench.
If the puck travels into the empty net, the goal may count for the opposing team even though that team never gained control of the puck. This is why players must remain careful when passing near their own defensive zone.
Why Are Delayed Penalties Important to Hockey Strategy?
Delayed penalties create opportunities for teams to generate additional offense. Coaches may quickly replace their goalie with another skater to increase pressure.
Players may focus on maintaining possession, creating passing lanes, and generating scoring chances before the whistle.
However, teams must balance offensive aggression with careful puck management. A poorly timed pass or turnover can end the opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hockey Delayed Penalties
Does the Referee Always Stop Play When the Penalized Team Touches the Puck?
Not necessarily. The rule generally requires the offending team to gain control of the puck. An incidental deflection or brief touch may not be enough.
Can You Score During a Delayed Penalty?
Yes. The non-offending team can score before play stops, and the goal may cancel a pending minor penalty.
Does a Delayed Penalty Always Result in a Power Play?
No. If the non-offending team scores during a delayed minor penalty, that minor penalty is generally canceled.
Why Does the Referee Keep One Arm Raised?
The raised arm signals that an infraction has occurred and that a penalty will be assessed when play stops.
Learn More About Hockey With the WBS Penguins
Understanding delayed penalties makes it easier to recognize important moments during a hockey game. From the referee’s raised arm to the goalie leaving the net, each part of the sequence can create an exciting scoring opportunity.
At the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, we enjoy helping fans understand the rules, strategies, and traditions that make hockey such an exciting sport.
Whether you are attending your first game or have followed the Penguins for years, learning more about hockey can make every game more enjoyable. Visit theWBS Penguins website to explore more hockey content, check the schedule, and learn about upcoming games at Mohegan Arena.
