Ragging the puck

Skating around the ice with the puck in an effort to waste time. Usually done to kill time on a penalty or run the clock down in an attempt to lessen the oppositions ability to score.

Railbird

A fan who has a seat in the front row. Prior to the protective mesh and glass, railbirds had to pay close attention to the game or they may be hit by a puck, stick or player.

Real time scoring

A computer based scoring system introduced in 1997 to record all statistics for the NHL.

Rebound

A puck that has hit the goalie and bounces back into play.

Recalled

A player who has been called up from his minor league farm team to play for the parent NHL club.

Red

The most common nickname in hockey. Some examples are Leonard "Red" Kelly, Reginald "Red" Horner and Mervyn "Red" Dutton.

Red light

The light controlled by the goal judge from behind the net to signal when a goal has been scored. See goal light.

Red line

May refer to either the checkered center line, or the goal line at either end of the rink.

Referee

The head on ice official. The NHL has experimented over the last few years with a two referee system to improve the game.

Retaliation penalty

A penalty assessed by the referee to a player has committed an infraction against another player for a check, legal or not.

Richard Riot

A situation that occurred on March 17, 1955 after President Clarence Campbell suspended Montreal Canadien Rocket Richard for striking a linesman during a fight. The suspension lasted for the balance of the season, the playoffs and cost Richard the scoring title. The game against Detroit was halted due to extreme fan unrest and spilled out onto the streets of Montreal.

Rossmen

Nick name for the Boston Bruins when they were managed by Art Ross.

Roughing

A act of minor fighting or shoving, resulting in a two minute penalty. See altercation, brouhaha, fisticuffs, melee.

Rover

A 7th player who's job was a combination of forward and defenseman. The rover was eliminated from the NHA in 1911 and from the rival Pacific Coast League in 1922.

Run a Player

The act of intentionally going after a player, sometimes with the intent of causing injury.

Run interference

See pick

Rut

A flaw in the ice that will be repaired by the on ice officials to avoid injury to the players.