What is the duration of a standard NHL penalty?

In the NHL, the standard duration for most minor penalties is two minutes. This rule is crucial as it represents the most common penalty given for infractions such as tripping, slashing, or hooking. If the offending team does not commit further infractions, the player will serve the full two minutes, after which they can return to the ice.

In contrast, a five-minute penalty is typically reserved for major infractions, such as fighting, while a ten-minute misconduct penalty can be assessed for more serious breaches of conduct. A one-minute penalty does not exist in the NHL. Thus, understanding the structure of these penalties is fundamental for grasping how the game is regulated and how player discipline impacts gameplay. This two-minute penalty serves as a balance to encourage fair play without disproportionately influencing the dynamics of the game.