Pulling the goalie means taking your goaltender off the ice and sending out an extra skater. Teams do it when they are losing late in a game and need a goal, because six attackers against five defenders creates more chances. The risk is obvious: if the other team gets the puck, they can shoot at an empty net.
When do coaches pull the goalie?
| Situation | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| Down by one goal | Traditionally about 1:00 to 1:30 left; many NHL teams now pull with 2:00 to 3:00 left |
| Down by two goals | Often 3:00 to 4:00 or more left |
| Delayed penalty against the other team | Any time; the whistle blows as soon as the other team touches the puck, so there’s little risk |
| Power play late in the game | Often immediately, creating a 6-on-4 |
Why teams are pulling earlier
Analytics work over the past decade showed that a team trailing by one goal wins more games, over a season, by pulling the goalie earlier than the old 60-to-90-second habit. Giving up an empty-net goal changes a loss by one goal into a loss by two, which usually costs nothing in the standings. Scoring the tying goal can earn at least one point. Coaches like Patrick Roy with Colorado helped popularize earlier pulls, and many NHL teams now go with two or more minutes left.
How the switch works
- The goalie skates to the bench when their team has possession, ideally in the offensive zone.
- The extra skater jumps on as the goalie reaches the bench.
- Many teams pull right after winning an offensive-zone faceoff.
- After a whistle, the goalie can simply stay on the bench for the next faceoff.
Attacking 6-on-5
- Keep the puck in the zone. Defensemen at the blue line must not let it out.
- Put bodies in front of the net for screens and rebounds.
- Move the puck quickly to find the open player; the defense can’t cover everyone.
- Shoot low for deflections rather than looking for the perfect pass.
Defending against an extra attacker
- Stay compact in front of your goalie and block shots.
- Clear the puck high off the glass rather than forcing a risky pass.
- Only shoot at the empty net from your own side of the center line if you’re sure; icing brings the faceoff back into your zone.
Frequently asked questions
Why do hockey teams pull the goalie?
To add an extra attacker and improve their chances of scoring when they need a goal late.
When should you pull the goalie?
Research suggests earlier than tradition, often around 2 to 3 minutes left when down by one.
Can a goalie be pulled during a delayed penalty?
Yes, and it’s very common, since play stops as soon as the penalized team touches the puck.
