Has There Ever Been a 0-0 Hockey Game?
Hockey is known for its fast pace, intense physicality, and, of course, the thrill of scoring goals. But has there ever been a 0-0 hockey game? The short answer is yes—though it’s rare. Let’s dive into the history of scoreless games, why they happen, and whether they still occur in modern hockey.
1. Yes, 0-0 Games Have Happened—But They’re Not Common
Believe it or not, there have been hockey games that ended in a 0-0 tie—especially in the era before shootouts and overtime rules as we know them today.
In the early days of the NHL (National Hockey League), ties were fairly common because games could end without a winner after regulation. If neither team scored, the final score was simply 0-0, and both teams walked away with a point in the standings.
One of the most notable scoreless games occurred on December 31, 1929, between the New York Americans and the Montreal Maroons. Back then, goaltenders didn’t even wear masks, and scoring was much harder due to the defensive style of play.
Another example? The Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs played to a 0-0 tie on March 16, 1949, in a game that featured incredible goaltending on both sides.
But as the NHL evolved, the league wanted to reduce the number of games ending without a decisive winner.
2. Why Don’t We See 0-0 Games Anymore?
These days, a 0-0 final score is almost impossible due to rule changes. Here’s why:
Overtime Rules & Shootouts: In modern NHL hockey, if a game is tied after regulation, teams play 3-on-3 overtime. If that doesn’t settle it, the game moves to a shootout, guaranteeing that someone scores.
More Offense-Focused Play: The league has changed rules over the years to increase scoring—things like reducing goalie pad sizes, cracking down on obstruction, and emphasizing speed have made 0-0 games nearly extinct.
Better Ice Conditions & Equipment: Modern sticks, skates, and arena conditions all favor goal-scoring. Goalies are also incredibly athletic, but even with that, offenses have more ways to break through.
Since the introduction of the shootout in the 2005-06 season, not a single NHL game has ended 0-0. If a game is tied at the end of regulation, someone will score in OT or the shootout.
3. The Last 0-0 Game in NHL History
The last official 0-0 tie in NHL history happened on April 1, 2004, between the Atlanta Thrashers and Florida Panthers. It was one of those defensive battles where both goalies, Roberto Luongo and Kari Lehtonen, put on a masterclass.
Fun fact: Lehtonen made 20 saves, and Luongo had 38 stops in that game. Despite all that action, neither team could score, and because the shootout rule didn’t exist yet, the game simply ended without a winner.
After the 2004-05 NHL lockout, the league eliminated tie games by implementing the shootout, ensuring that every game has a winner. So, unless the NHL completely revamps its rules, we’ll probably never see another 0-0 final score again.
4. What About Other Leagues?
While the NHL has effectively removed 0-0 games from its record books, they can still happen in other leagues.
In European leagues (like the KHL or Swedish Hockey League), ties were allowed in the past, meaning scoreless games did occur occasionally.
College hockey has also had a few 0-0 games in history, though the adoption of overtime and shootouts has mostly erased them.
Minor leagues and lower divisions sometimes still allow games to end in ties, making 0-0 results possible—but even then, they’re extremely rare.
5. Is a 0-0 Game "Boring" or a Goaltending Masterpiece?
A 0-0 hockey game might sound dull to the average fan, but in reality, these games often feature some of the best goaltending performances ever.
Imagine watching two teams throw everything they have at each other, only to be stopped by goalies standing on their heads for 60 minutes straight.
Some fans argue that low-scoring games are a true test of defensive skill, while others feel that hockey is more exciting when goals are plentiful. Either way, a 0-0 game is an ultra-rare event, making it special when it happens.
Conclusion: Will We Ever See Another 0-0 NHL Game?
The short answer? No—at least not under current NHL rules.
While 0-0 ties were a part of hockey’s history, they’ve been eliminated by overtime and shootout rules. The last one happened in 2004, and unless the league changes its format, we’ll never see another one again.
However, scoreless battles in regulation still happen, and some games remain 0-0 deep into overtime—but thanks to shootouts, someone always walks away with a win.
So next time you watch a game with no goals heading into the third period, don’t change the channel—it might just be a rare defensive showdown that you’ll remember for years!
What’s the lowest-scoring hockey game you’ve ever seen? Let us know in the comments!
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