Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the types of situations in which goals are scored at the highest level of ice hockey. The study focused on the Stanley Cup Final games (n=12). Methods: Two different game analysis methods based on systematic observation were used. The observation was conducted using video recordings after the games. The data consisted of (n=) 1477 shots, (n=) 79 goals, and (n=) 3619 even-strength attacks. Results: Teams had (n=) 181 even-strength attacks per game. The overall attack efficiency was 7%. For scoring goals, defensive play in the offensive zone was particularly important, as the scoring efficiency of attacks starting in the offensive zone was statistically highly significant compared to the defensive and the neutral zones (p<0.001). Goal-scoring situations were classified based on the number of players on the ice and the different zones of the rink. Most goals were scored during 5 vs. 5 play (71%), with the remaining goals coming from 5 vs. 4 power plays (9%) or other situations (20%). The majority of goals were scored from close to the net. Scoring efficiency was statistically significant in sector 1 (p<0.05) compared to sector 2, and highly significant (p<0.001) compared to sectors 3-4. Conclusion: Scoring becomes easier when: 1) The attack starts in the offensive zone, and 2) the shot is taken close to the net. If the attack starts further away, fast and counter-attacks improve scoring chances, as the opponent does not have time to organize their defense.
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