Hockey is an exciting sport, full of fast skating, sharp turns, and thrilling goals. One of the most exciting moments in a hockey game is the power play. But what exactly is a power play? Let’s break it down step by step so it’s super easy to understand!
TL;DR
A power play in hockey happens when one team gets a temporary advantage because the other team has a player sitting in the penalty box. This gives the team on the power play more players on the ice and a better chance to score.
What Is a Power Play?
A power play happens when one team has more players on the ice than the other team. This happens because a player from the other team broke a rule and is sent to the penalty box. The penalized team has fewer players for a certain amount of time, usually 2 minutes or more, depending on the rule they broke.
Think of it like this:
- One team has a full set of players.
- The other team is missing one or more players.
- The team with more players has an advantage, called a power play.
How Does a Team Get a Power Play?
A team gets a power play when the other team commits a penalty. A penalty happens when a player does something against the rules. Here are some common penalties:
| Penalty Name | What It Means | Time in Box |
|---|---|---|
| Tripping | Using your stick to trip another player | 2 minutes |
| Hooking | Using your stick to pull back another player | 2 minutes |
| High-Sticking | Hitting someone with your stick above the shoulders | 2 minutes |
| Slashing | Swinging your stick at an opponent | 2 minutes |
| Boarding | Checking a player dangerously into the boards | 2 minutes |
| Fighting | Punching another player | 5 minutes |
When a player gets a penalty, they go to the penalty box, and their team plays with fewer players on the ice. This creates a power play opportunity for the other team.
What Happens During a Power Play?
Here’s what happens step by step:
- The Penalized Team: The team with the player in the penalty box plays with fewer players (usually 4 instead of 5). They are said to be shorthanded.
- The Power Play Team: The team with more players has an advantage. They can move the puck around faster and try to score.
- The Clock: A timer shows how long the penalty will last. When the time runs out, the penalized player comes back on the ice.
Diagram: Power Play Setup
Power Play Team: O O O O O
Shorthanded Team: X X X XIn this setup:
- The “O”s are the power play team.
- The “X”s are the shorthanded team.
- The power play team has one extra player.
Why Are Power Plays So Important?
Power plays can change the outcome of a game. They are special because:
- They Create Scoring Opportunities: The team with more players has more chances to shoot and score.
- Momentum Shift: A goal during a power play can energize the team and the crowd.
- Strategic Play: Coaches design specific plays to take advantage of the extra player.
Types of Penalties Leading to Power Plays
There are two main types of penalties:
Minor Penalties (2 Minutes)
These are the most common. The penalized player sits in the box for 2 minutes or until the opposing team scores a goal.
Examples:
- Tripping
- Hooking
- Holding
Major Penalties (5 Minutes)
These are for serious infractions like fighting or dangerous hits. The penalized player sits for the full 5 minutes, regardless of whether the opposing team scores.
How Teams Play During a Power Play
Power Play Team Strategies
- Set Up a Formation: Teams often use a “1-3-1” formation where one player stays near the blue line, three players spread out in the middle, and one player stays near the net.
- Quick Passing: Moving the puck quickly makes it harder for the shorthanded team to defend.
- Screen the Goalie: A player stands in front of the opposing goalie to block their view of the puck.
Shorthanded Team Strategies
- Penalty Kill: This is the strategy used by the shorthanded team to defend against the power play.
- Block Shots: Players try to get in the way of the puck to stop it from reaching the net.
- Clear the Puck: Sending the puck all the way down the ice wastes time and forces the power play team to start over.
Diagram: Common Power Play Formation
O (Defenseman at the blue line)
O O (Forwards spreading out to pass)
O (Player in front of the net)Records and Fun Facts
- Most Power Play Goals in NHL History: Dave Andreychuk scored 274 power play goals in his career!
- Fastest Power Play Goal: James Neal scored just 5 seconds into a power play in 2018.
- Best Power Play Teams: The Edmonton Oilers had a record-breaking power play percentage of 32.4% in the 2022-2023 season.
Why Do Penalties Sometimes Overlap?
Sometimes, multiple penalties happen at the same time. This can lead to:
- 5-on-3 Power Play: Two players from one team are in the penalty box, giving the opposing team a huge advantage.
- 4-on-4 Play: When both teams have a player in the penalty box, it’s equal-strength hockey with fewer players on the ice.
Power Play Success Rate Over Time
Here is a table showing how power play success rates have changed in recent years:
| Season | Power Play Success Rate |
| 2019-2020 | 19.8% |
| 2020-2021 | 20.1% |
| 2021-2022 | 20.6% |
| 2022-2023 | 21.2% |
FAQ
1. What happens if both teams get penalties at the same time?
This is called 4-on-4 hockey because each team plays with 4 players instead of 5. There is no power play since both teams have the same number of players.
2. Can a shorthanded team score?
Yes! This is called a shorthanded goal, and it’s very exciting because it’s harder to score with fewer players.
3. What happens if the penalty time runs out?
The penalized player comes out of the box, and both teams go back to full strength.
4. What’s a “penalty kill”?
The penalty kill is when the shorthanded team tries to stop the power play team from scoring.
5. Can a power play last longer than 5 minutes?
No, 5 minutes is the maximum penalty time unless there are multiple penalties overlapping.
6. What’s a “double minor”?
A double minor is a 4-minute penalty, usually for high-sticking when it causes injury.
Final Thoughts
Power plays make hockey more thrilling by adding strategy and high-pressure moments. Whether you’re cheering for the power play team to score or the shorthanded team to defend, it’s always exciting to watch! Now you’re ready to enjoy the next power play you see on the ice!
