Ice hockey is a fast-paced team sport played on ice, in which two teams of skaters use sticks to hit a puck into the opposing team’s goal to score points. The game is typically played on an ice rink, which is a rectangular surface surrounded by boards and glass. Each team consists of six players: three forwards, two defensemen, and a goaltender.
The objective of ice hockey is to score more goals than the opposing team within a set time limit, usually three periods of 20 minutes each. Players wear protective equipment, including helmets, shoulder pads, and shin guards, to prevent injuries due to the physical nature of the sport, which allows body-checking and involves high-speed collisions.
Ice hockey is governed by various rules, which include offside calls, icing, and penalties for fouls. The sport is particularly popular in countries with colder climates, such as Canada, the United States, Russia, and several European nations, and it features both amateur and professional leagues, as well as international competitions like the Olympics and World Championships.
The Washington Capitals are on a four-game winning streak, focusing on solidifying playoff positioning during their West Coast trip starting against the Anaheim Ducks. Washington is known for remarkable third-period…