A power play in hockey refers to a situation where one team has a numerical advantage over the opposing team due to a player from the opposing team being penalized and temporarily sent off the ice. This advantage usually occurs when a player receives a minor or major penalty for various infractions such as tripping, slashing, or holding an opponent.
FAQs:
1. How does a power play occur in hockey?
Answer: A power play happens when a player on the opposing team commits a penalty, resulting in them being temporarily removed from the game, and their team has to play with one fewer player on the ice.
2. How long does a power play last?
Answer: The duration of a power play depends on the penalty committed. A minor penalty typically results in a two-minute power play, while a major penalty can lead to a five-minute power play.
3. What advantages does the team on a power play have?
Answer: With an extra player on the ice, the team on a power play has several advantages. They have more space to maneuver, making it easier to create scoring opportunities. They also have an increased chance of maintaining puck possession and can apply more pressure on the opposing team’s defense.
4. How does the team on a power play set up its strategy?
Answer: Generally, teams on a power play employ strategies to create passing lanes, distribute the puck effectively, and try to overload the opposing team’s defensive zone to generate scoring chances. This can involve setting up players in a formation like the “umbrella” or “diamond.”
5. Can the team on a power play score more than one goal?
Answer: Yes, it is possible for a team on a power play to score multiple goals during that time. If a goal is scored during a minor penalty, the penalized player gets released from the penalty box, and the opposing team continues with the power play until the remaining time expires.
6. What happens if the team on a power play scores a goal?
Answer: If the team on a power play scores a goal, the penalized player is released from the penalty box, and both teams return to full strength. The power play is over, even if there is still time remaining on the penalty.
7. Can the team on a power play allow a shorthanded goal?
Answer: Yes, it is possible for the team on a power play to concede a shorthanded goal. If the opposing team scores a goal while playing shorthanded, it ends the power play prematurely, and both teams return to even strength.
BOTTOM LINE: A power play in hockey provides a team with a numerical advantage due to an opposing player’s penalty. This advantage allows the team on a power play to apply more pressure, create scoring opportunities, and increase their chances of scoring a goal. However, they must also be cautious of the opposing team’s potential to score a shorthanded goal.
