 The current IIHF rules differ slightly from the rules used in the NHL . One difference between NHL and IIHF rules is rink dimensions : the NHL rink is narrower , measuring 61x26 metres ( 200x85 feet ) , instead of the international size of 61x30 metres ( 200x98.5 feet ) . Another rule difference between the NHL and the IIHF rules concerns how icings are called . As of the 2013 @-@ 14 regular NHL season , a linesman stops play due to icing using the hybrid icing method , instead of the former method , where a defending player ( other than the goaltender ) touched the puck before an attacking player was able to , in contrast to the IIHF rules that use " no @-@ touch " icing , where play is stopped the moment the puck crosses the goal line . The NHL and IIHF differ also in penalty rules . The NHL , in addition to the minor and double minor penalties called in IIHF games , calls major penalties which are more dangerous infractions of the rules , such as fighting , and have a duration of five minutes . This is in contrast to the IIHF rule , in which players who fight are ejected from the game . 
