A point is given to a player who either scores a Goal or earns an Assist during a game. The total number of goals plus assists equals total points.
Points are given to a team for a win (2 points), as well as a tie (1 point). In the National Hockey League , when a game advances to Overtime , both teams earn 1 point as in a tie. Each team then has the opportunity to earn 1 additional point by winning the game, either in overtime or a shootout.
The term is also used as follows:
When a team is in the offensive zone, the area near the blue line and the boards is referred to as "the point." When a team is on the power play, the defensemen usually take up positions at the point. The origin of the term is unknown, but it has similar meanings in basketball ( Point Guard ) and in the military, as in "to take the point" (to lead a group).
