To start a penalty shot, the puck is placed on the center face-off spot, and the goaltender stands on the goal line. When the referee blows the whistle, the attacking player may take control of the puck and attempt to score.

Once the attacker touches the puck, the goaltender may step away from the line for better positioning. The shooter is allowed one shot—a goal cannot be scored on a rebound—and once the puck crosses the goal line, the penalty shot is considered complete. The captain may choose any player who is not serving a penalty to play the puck.

Except for the opposing goalkeeper, all other players must withdraw behind the center line. The goalie may then try to stop the puck or player in any legal way. Time for a penalty shot is not counted as playing time or overtime. If a goal is scored, a center face-off begins play; if not, the puck is faced-off at either spot in that end zone.