Minnesota Wild goaltender Alex Stalock found himself in a tough spot.  The netminder headed out to play the puck at the blueline.  With no defensive support and a Senators player moving in, Stalock quickly determined the best course of action: fire the puck out of play.

 

 

Of course, everyone knows that a puck over the glass is a minor penalty.  With referee Francis Charron right in front of the action, Stalock had no choice but to aim for the bench.

Rule 63.2 has his back.

A minor penalty for delay of game shall be imposed on any player who deliberately shoots or bats (using his hand or his stick) the puck outside the playing area (from anywhere on the ice surface) during the play or after a stoppage of play.

[…]

When the puck is shot into the players’ bench, the penalty will not apply. When the puck is shot over the glass ‘behind’ the players’ bench, the penalty will be assessed.

So if you’re desperate for a change or need to stop play, just aim for the bench and fire away.

Just watch out for your coach.