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IIHF vs NHL

All Categories Athletics Board Games Card Games Combat Sports Computer Games Cycling Dice Games Equestrian Esports Gymnastics Individual Sports Motor Sports Party Games Playground Games Racquet Sports Team Sports Tile Games Video Games Water Sports Winter Sports All Categories Athletics Board Games Card Games Combat Sports Computer Games Cycling Dice Games Equestrian Esports Gymnastics Individual Sports Motor Sports Party Games Playground Games Racquet Sports Team Sports Tile Games Video Games Water Sports Winter Sports

All Categories Athletics Board Games Card Games Combat Sports Computer Games Cycling Dice Games Equestrian Esports Gymnastics Individual Sports Motor Sports Party Games Playground Games Racquet Sports Team Sports Tile Games Video Games Water Sports Winter Sports

AFirst Sport

IIHF

Ice Hockey

First Sport

Details

Players6

Settingindoor

SeasonIIHF Official Rule Book 2026/27

CategoryWinter Sports

BSecond Sport

NHL

Ice Hockey

Second Sport

Details

Players4-6

Settingindoor

Season2025-26 NHL Official Rules (referenced in 2025-26 NHL Officials' Media Guide)

CategoryTeam Sports

5

Shared Topics

5

Different Rules

0

Shared Rules

Rule-by-Rule Comparison(5)

Section 2: Equipment

Different

IIHF

Maximum shaft length: 163 cm (64 in) from the heel of the blade to the end of the shaft.; Blade length: 25–32 cm (9.8–12.6 in).; Blade width: 5–7.5 cm (2–3 in).

NHL

The official NHL puck is made of vulcanized rubber, is one inch (1") thick, three inches (3") in diameter, and weighs between five and one-half ounces (5.5 oz) and six ounces (6 oz). Pucks are frozen before each game to reduce bouncing and provide a more consistent playing surface.

Section 3: Playing Area

Different

IIHF

Overall size: 60 m × 30 m (197 ft × 98.4 ft) for international/Olympic play. The wider surface compared to NHL rinks (200 ft × 85 ft) emphasises skating speed, passing, and positional play over physical forechecking.; Corner radius: 7–8.5 m (23–28 ft).; Boards: Height 1.07–1.22 m (42–48 in) above...

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Rules for real sports. A platform for new ones. Sourced from governing bodies, community-driven, and always open.

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NHL

NHL games are played on an ice surface measuring 200 feet (61 m) in length and 85 feet (26 m) in width. The corners of the rink are rounded with a uniform radius of 28 feet.

Section 5: Rules of Play

Different

IIHF

An attacking player may not precede the puck into the attacking zone (beyond the blue line). If an attacking player's skates are in the attacking zone before the puck completely crosses the blue line, offside is called.

NHL

An NHL regular season game consists of three 20-minute periods of play with two intermissions of 18 minutes each. Each team plays 82 regular season games (the final season at this number before the planned expansion to 84 games beginning in 2026-27).

Section 6: Scoring

Different

IIHF

A goal is scored when the entire puck crosses the goal line between the posts and below the crossbar by legal means. The puck may deflect off any player (including an attacking player's skate, provided there is no distinct kicking motion) and still count.

NHL

A goal counts as one point for the scoring team. The player who shoots or last touches the puck before it enters the net is credited with the goal.

Section 8: Safety Considerations

Different

IIHF

Full face protection: Mandatory for all IIHF skaters (cage or full visor). This differs from the NHL, which only requires a visor. Greatly reduces facial and dental injuries.; Neck guard: Mandatory for goalkeepers at all levels. Following an IIHF Council decision, on recommendation of the IIHF Me...

NHL

The NHL operates under a comprehensive concussion protocol developed in conjunction with the NHLPA. Any player suspected of sustaining a concussion is removed from play and evaluated by a team physician in a quiet room.

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