Every guide on GoalLamp should answer the reader’s question fast and get the facts right. This page sets out how we work toward that.
The sources we use
We build each guide on official sources.
- The current NHL Official Rules, for every NHL rule and rule number
- NHL.com and team pages on NHL.com, for league facts, records and game sheets
- The Hockey Hall of Fame, for history and the Stanley Cup
- The IIHF, for international and Olympic rules
- USA Hockey and Hockey Canada, for youth and amateur rules
- The NCAA, for college rules
We do not use other hockey blogs, forums or fan sites as sources. We may read them to learn what readers ask, but the facts come from the sources above.
How we check facts
- We name the rule number when a guide explains an NHL rule.
- We tie every number, date and record to an official page.
- We show the math step by step when a guide adds, splits or converts numbers.
- When two official sources disagree, the guide says so and gives both figures.
- When we cannot confirm a fact, we leave it out.
Keeping guides current
Hockey rules change. We review our guides at the start of each NHL season. We also update a guide when the league changes a rule it covers. Time sensitive facts, like the number of NHL teams, always refer to the current season.
Links
We link out only to official sources, and only when a reader needs the link to check a fact. Links between our own guides help readers find the next answer.
Puck line and odds guides
These guides explain how lines and odds work, with sample numbers. They are for information only. We give no picks or advice, and we do not take money on games.
Corrections
If you spot a mistake, tell us through our contact page. Please name the page and what looks wrong, and add a source if you have one. We check every report and fix confirmed errors quickly.
Independence
GoalLamp is not affiliated with the NHL, the NHLPA or any team. No partner or advertiser can change the facts in a guide.