A power play in hockey refers to a situation where one team has a numerical advantage over their opponent due to a penalty or penalties called against the opposing team. Here are five supporting facts about power plays in hockey:
1. Numerical advantage: During a power play, the team with the advantage has more players on the ice than their opponents. Typically, the team with the power play has five skaters while the opposing team has four.
2. Penalty time: The duration of a power play is determined by the penalties called against the opposing team. Power plays usually last for two minutes, but the time can be extended if additional penalties are incurred by the shorthanded team.
3. Strategic advantage: The team on the power play enjoys a strategic advantage as they have more space and time to make plays. They often try to utilize this advantage to create scoring opportunities and increase their chances of putting the puck in the net.
4. Penalty killing: The team that is shorthanded during a power play is said to be penalty killing. Their objective is to defend their net and prevent the team with the advantage from scoring. Penalty killers often employ strategies such as aggressive forechecking and shot blocking.
5. Special teams: Power plays are part of special teams play in hockey. Special teams refer to situations where teams compete with a different number of skaters due to penalties or other game-related situations. Power plays and penalty kills are crucial aspects of special teams play.
FAQs about power plays in hockey:
1. How is a power play created in hockey?
When a player commits a penalty, they are sent to the penalty box, and their team is penalized with a shorthanded situation, creating a power play for the opposing team.
2. Can the team on the power play score multiple goals?
Yes, if the team on the power play scores a goal during their advantage, they continue to stay on the power play until the penalty time expires, even if they score multiple goals.
3. Can a power play end early?
Yes, if the team on the power play scores a goal, the power play ends immediately, and both teams go back to even strength.
4. How can the team on the penalty kill score?
Although rare, it is possible for the team on the penalty kill to score a shorthanded goal by successfully capitalizing on an offensive opportunity while being shorthanded.
5. Can a team have multiple power plays simultaneously?
No, a team cannot have multiple power plays occurring simultaneously. However, if one team has multiple players serving penalties, the opposing team still benefits from a greater numerical advantage during the power play.
6. Can the team on the power play change players during the advantage?
Yes, teams can substitute players during a power play to maintain fresh legs and adapt to different offensive strategies.
7. What happens if the team on the power play commits a penalty?
If the team on the power play commits a penalty, the power play ends, and both teams will play 4-on-4 until the initial penalty expires, or if multiple penalties are assessed, it can result in a brief period of 3-on-3 play.
BOTTOM LINE:
A power play in hockey is a period during a game where one team has a numerical advantage due to penalties called against the opposing team. The team on the power play aims to create scoring opportunities, while the team on the penalty kill tries to defend and prevent goals. Understanding power plays is crucial in analyzing and enjoying the strategic elements of the game.
