Pulling the goalie means taking the goaltender off the ice and sending out an extra skater, giving a team six attackers against five defenders. Coaches do it when they are trailing late in a game and need a goal, and during delayed penalties when the other team cannot score because play will stop as soon as it touches the puck. The trade-off is simple: a better chance to score, at the cost of an empty net that the opponent can shoot into from anywhere.
This guide explains when teams pull the goalie, how the timing has changed with analytics, how the six-on-five attack works, how the defending team responds, and the rules that apply.
The two main situations
| Situation | Why the goalie comes off | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Trailing late in the game | An extra attacker raises the chance of tying the score | The opponent can score into the empty net |
| Delayed penalty against the opponent | The opponent cannot keep possession without the whistle blowing, so the extra skater is almost risk-free | Very small: an own-goal or a misplay into the net |
| Power play while trailing late | Six attackers against four creates a big advantage | Empty-net goal if the puck is cleared |
When to pull the goalie: how the thinking changed
For decades, coaches pulled the goalie with about one minute left when trailing by one goal. Statistical studies of NHL games since the 2010s have shown that pulling earlier, often with around three minutes or more left when down by one, and even earlier when down by two, gives a better overall chance of tying the game. The logic is that an empty-net goal against a team that is already losing makes little difference, while the extra time with six attackers adds real scoring chances.
Many NHL coaches now pull the goalie much earlier than they used to, and some do it with four minutes or more left. Coaches still weigh the details: where the faceoff is, whether their team has possession in the offensive zone, fatigue, and who is on the ice.
| Score | Traditional timing | Modern analytics-based timing |
|---|---|---|
| Down by 1 | About 1 minute left | Often 2.5 to 3.5 minutes left or earlier |
| Down by 2 | About 2 minutes left | Often 5 minutes left or earlier |
How to get the goalie off safely
- Gain the offensive zone. Most teams pull the goalie when they have the puck in the attacking zone, so the opponent cannot immediately shoot at the empty net.
- Use a stoppage. A faceoff in the offensive zone is ideal, especially after a timeout, so the extra attacker can be set up.
- Change on the fly. The goalie skates quickly to the bench while the extra attacker jumps on. The change must be legal to avoid a too-many-men penalty.
- Choose the right six. Coaches send out their best offensive players, often including a strong net-front presence and a defenseman with a good shot.
The six-on-five attack
With six skaters, the attacking team tries to overload the defense. Common setups include a player parked in front of the net to screen and tip shots, two players on the half-walls, and one or two at the point. The extra player creates passing options that the defense cannot cover, so the attack looks for quick puck movement, shots through traffic and rebounds. The key is keeping the puck in the zone; a clear often means an empty-net goal against.
How the leading team defends
- Stay compact: protect the slot and the front of the net rather than chasing the puck.
- Block shots: players often go down to block shots from the point.
- Win faceoffs: a faceoff win in the defensive zone lets the team clear the puck.
- Shoot at the empty net carefully: an icing call brings the faceoff back to the defensive zone, so players shoot only when they have a clear lane.
Rules to know
- A team may pull its goalie at any time during play, not just late in the game.
- The replacement must follow normal line-change rules, or the team can be called for too many men on the ice.
- When a player on a breakaway toward an empty net is illegally stopped, the referee can award a goal instead of a penalty shot.
- During a delayed penalty, play continues until the penalised team touches the puck, which is why the extra attacker is almost risk-free.
Common mistakes
- Pulling the goalie while the puck is in the neutral or defensive zone.
- Waiting too long, leaving too little time to use the advantage.
- A slow line change that leaves the team short-handed for a moment.
- Forcing plays through the middle, where a turnover leads to an empty-net goal.
Rules reference: NHL Official Rules. IIHF, USA Hockey and Hockey Canada rules are similar but can differ in details.
How teams practise the six-on-five
- Set up a full-zone drill with six attackers against five defenders and no goalie in the far net.
- Rehearse the goalie change itself so the extra skater jumps on only when the goalie is close to the bench.
- Run set plays from a faceoff win in the offensive zone, since many late goals start from a clean draw.
- Practise retrieving pucks along the boards and recovering quickly if the defence clears it.
- Finish with a short live scrimmage where the trailing team has a minute to score.
Picking the extra skater
Coaches usually choose the extra attacker based on the situation. After an offensive-zone faceoff, a strong faceoff player or a big net-front forward is common. On the rush, a quick puck carrier or a defender with a hard shot from the point may be the better option. The best teams have the six-on-five group chosen before the game so the change happens without confusion.
What to watch as a fan
Once the goalie heads to the bench, look for the extra attacker jumping over the boards and count the skaters in white and colour. Watch the net-front battle and the point shots, and keep an eye on the clock: every clearance down the ice costs the trailing team precious seconds.
Pulling the goalie in youth hockey
Youth and recreational leagues sometimes limit or discourage pulling the goalie, and some use running clocks or mercy rules that change the situation. Coaches should check their league’s rules before planning late-game tactics.
Frequently asked questions
Why do teams pull the goalie?
To add an extra attacker and increase their chances of scoring when they are behind late in a game or during a delayed penalty.
When is the best time to pull the goalie?
Analytics suggest earlier than tradition: often around three minutes or more left when down by one goal.
Can you pull the goalie at any time?
Yes. There is no rule against it; teams simply risk giving up an empty-net goal.
