Washington Capitals
SHIFTING PLAYERS
Multiplication with Hockey
Essential Question: How do coaches and players use math to figure out who plays and
when?
1. How many things can you count at a hockey
game? Make a list of at least 15 things:
1. Goals
2. …
Lines and Partners
Lines are groups of three offensive players that play together during a
game.
Pairs are two defensive players that play together during a game.
Lines and pairs enter and exit the ice at about the same time. Shifts in the
NHL usually last for less than a minute. That’s why you’ll see the players
jumping into and out of the game so often.
How many players are on the team as offense and defense?
Use your handout How Many Players:
Offense? to count and record your
answers.
The Washington Capitals have four offensive lines with 3 skaters on
each line. How many offensive skaters does the team have?
EQUATION: _____ (skaters per line) X _____ (lines) = ______
Use your handout How Many Players:
Defense? to count and record your
answers.
The Washington Capitals have three defensive partner pairs with 2 skaters
on each line. How many defensive skaters does the team have?
EQUATION: _____ (skaters per line) X _____ (lines) = ______
Review of multiplication:
3
x4
Practice more math.
Did you know: there is
really no rhyme or reason
to jersey numbers. Some
players have reasons for
their choices: Alex
Ovechkin wears the
number his mother wore
when she played
basketball.