What Is a Power Play in Hockey?

A power play is one of the most exciting situations in hockey. It occurs when one team has more players on the ice than the other team because an opposing player has been sent to the penalty box for committing a rule violation.

When a penalty is called, the penalized player must sit in the penalty box for a set amount of time, usually two minutes for a minor penalty. During this time, their team must play with one fewer skater on the ice.

How a Power Play Works

In a normal hockey situation, each team has five skaters and one goalie on the ice. During a power play, the team with the advantage might have five skaters while the other team only has four.

This extra player gives the attacking team a major advantage because they can move the puck more easily and create better scoring opportunities.

Power Play Goals

If the team with the extra player scores a goal during a minor penalty power play, the penalty immediately ends and the player in the penalty box is allowed back onto the ice.

However, if the penalty was a major penalty, the player must remain in the penalty box for the full time even if the other team scores.

Power plays are a huge part of strategy in professional hockey, including games in the National Hockey League, where teams spend a lot of time practicing special power play formations to maximize their scoring chances.

Why Power Plays Are Important

Power plays can completely change the momentum of a hockey game. Teams with strong power play units often score more goals and can take advantage of opponents’ mistakes. Because of this, staying disciplined and avoiding penalties is extremely important in hockey.