What is the definition of game winning goal in NHL?

Answer 1

The game winning goal is the goal that would result in the player's team winning as if that team didn't score any more goals. For example, say Players A, B and C play for Team 1, and Players X, Y and Z play for their opponent, Team 2. Say Player A and Player X score one goal apiece for their respective teams, tying the game in the first period. In the second period, Player B scores an unanswered goal (making the score 2-1), and in the third period Player C scores another unanswered goal (3-1). Player B has the game winner because his goal put Team 1 ahead for the duration--Team 1 would have won the game even without Player C's goal. But say Team 1 is leading Team 2 by a score of 2-1. Player Y scores, tying the game at 2-2, and then Player Z scores, given Team 2 a 3-2 lead, which turns out to be the final score. Player Z has the game winner.