GUIDES · BETSLIP DOCTOR
When does a puck shot over the glass draw an NHL delay-of-game penalty?
Under NHL Rule 63.2(iii), a minor for delay of game applies when a player shoots or bats the puck directly, without a deflection, out of play from the defending zone, except where there is no glass. The puck’s location when it is shot or batted controls. A puck shot over the glass behind the players’ bench is covered, while a puck shot into the players’ bench or one that goes out directly off a face-off is not penalized under this clause.
For Hockey fans trying to understand the specific puck-over-glass delay-of-game call. · Updated
The direct-shot trigger
Rule 63.2(iii) is limited to a player shooting or batting the puck directly, without a deflection, out of the playing surface from that player’s defending zone. It carries a minor for delay of game, except where there is no glass. This page covers that clause only; it does not mean every puck that goes over a board is a penalty.
The position of the puck at the moment the player shoots or bats it controls. If the puck is contacted inside the defending zone and then travels out of play, the location where it finally leaves the rink does not change that test.
The rule’s specific exceptions
The rule expressly includes a puck shot over the glass behind the players’ bench. It also states that this penalty does not apply when the puck is shot into the players’ bench or when the puck goes out of the playing area directly off a face-off.
A deflection matters because this clause requires a direct, non-deflected shot or bat. Rule 63.2(iii) also excludes the no-glass situation. These limits keep this explanation tied to the stated NHL trigger.
Edition and scope
This explanation follows the NHL 2026–2027 Official Rules linked from the NHL FAQ checked October 15, 2026. The cited materials do not show a separate rule-by-rule effective date or amendment log, so this page does not infer one or apply Rule 63.2(iii) to another league.
Where the puck was touched matters
In one hypothetical sequence, a skater bats the puck from inside the defending zone directly out of play without a deflection. The puck’s location at contact satisfies the zone part of Rule 63.2(iii), even if it travels farther down the rink before leaving play. In a second hypothetical sequence, the puck is contacted outside that defending zone and then leaves play; that does not meet this clause’s zone trigger. As a stated exception, a puck shot into the players’ bench is not penalized under this clause.
Related questions
Does any puck over the boards mean a delay-of-game penalty?
No. Rule 63.2(iii) is a specific direct, non-deflected shot or bat out of play from the defending zone, subject to its stated exceptions.
Does the puck’s location when it leaves the rink decide the call?
No. The determining factor is the puck’s position when the player shoots or bats it.
What if the puck goes directly into the players’ bench?
The rule expressly says the Rule 63.2(iii) penalty does not apply when the puck is shot into the players’ bench.