It's my understanding that a penalty shot is awarded under (3) specific
circumstances:
 
1) The most common is when a player with the puck, and has "clear progress"
   to the net from the red line, is kept from having "a reasonable scoring"
   attempt, by an illegal act.  So, by hooking, holding, slashing or tripping
   the player, that action keeps the player from having the scoring
   opportunity that one would have on a clear breakaway.
 
2) If any player (including goalies) throws his/her stick at the puck, which
   is controlled or shot by the opposing player.  I don't think it matters
   if it is an accident.  [This has happened this year already in a Wisconsin
   game, where the opposing goalie lost control of his stick while trying to
   poke check the puck away.  A penalty shot was awarded to Wisconsin.]
 
3) If a player (other than the goalie) covers the puck up in the goal crease,
   while the goalie is in the goal crease.  If the goalie is in his/her
   crease, only that person may cover the puck up.
 
I think thats it.
 
 
Terry E. Tuschen Jr.
 
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