Ice Hockey (IIHF) vs Ice Hockey (NHL) — Same Game, Different Rules

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).

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.

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...

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.