How it works
The blue line defines the zone. Players can tag up by leaving the zone before their team resumes the attack, and delayed offside procedures may allow play to continue temporarily.
What people often miss
Hockey offside is different from soccer offside. It is based primarily on zone entry rather than a player's position relative to defenders.
Why this question comes up
Close blue-line entries are common replay-review moments in professional hockey.
Key points
- A hockey play is offside when an attacking player enters the offensive zone before the puck, subject to the league's detailed entry and possession rules.
- The blue line defines the zone. Players can tag up by leaving the zone before their team resumes the attack, and delayed offside procedures may allow play to continue temporarily.
- Hockey offside is different from soccer offside. It is based primarily on zone entry rather than a player's position relative to defenders.
Bottom line
A hockey play is offside when an attacking player enters the offensive zone before the puck, subject to the league's detailed entry and possession rules.
Source and verification
This Answer was checked against National Hockey League. Follow the source for the full official explanation and any later updates.