In the fast-paced world of hockey, every second counts, especially when your team is trailing in the final moments of the game. You’ve probably seen it before: the coach signals, and the goalie races to the bench, replaced by an extra skater.
This high-risk, high-reward strategy can be a game-changer, but why do teams take this gamble?
From the 2013-14 season through 2019-20, NHL teams pulled their goalie in 98% of games when trailing within the last two minutes.
The rationale is simple: increasing your offensive power by adding another skater can create scoring opportunities that just might turn the tide.