A power play is strange when you think about sports more broadly. Most popular team sports, like basketball, volleyball and football, don't have a power play, or a player-advantage due to penatly, at all.
In hockey, a power play is when one team has an advantage in numbers.
The team enjoys having greater manpower for a certain time, in most instances having a one- or two-person advantage over their opponent. This means that instead of having six players on ice for each team, one side only has four or five active players.
How Does A Power Play In Hockey Happen?
In ice hockey, a power play happens when one or two players from a team commit an infraction or a penalty. The player who has been penalized will be obliged to spend time out of the ice rink. The penalized player, or players, are sent to the penalty box, or sin bin.
Moreover, the team that incurred the penalty is not allowed to call in a substitute. Instead, they are to play out the penalized time short-handed, giving the opposing team the advantage in numbers, or a power play.
The Rules Of A Hockey Power Play
There are a few rules surrounding power plays in ice hockey. Below, are some of the most important ones to know.
Minor Vs. Major Penalties
A power play can last for either a two-minute or a five-minute period. The duration is based on the type of penalty committed.
A minor penalty will result in the player sitting in the box for two minutes. Meanwhile, committing a major penalty gives the opposing team five minutes of power play.
For a minor penalty, the short-handed team can get its player back on the ice either when the time runs out, or the team on the power play scores a goal. However, the short-handed team scoring a goal will not get their player out of the penalty box.
For a major penalty, the team needs to wait out the full five minutes, regardless of whether their opponent lands a goal.
Icing
Icing infractions still are called during a power play, with one exception.
Only teams that are down one or two players are allowed to ice the puck. This means they can shoot, hit or deflect the puck from their half of the rink all the way to the other team's side, without it being touched by anyone else.
Due to the exception, short-handed teams can use icing for penalty killing or running their penalty time to zero, while preventing their opponent from scoring.
Overtime
Power plays can, and do, happen in overtime. However, there is a slight difference in rules during the NHL regular season, where overtime is played with three players on each team.
If a penalty was called during overtime, the team on the power play will get a player added for the infraction. This can result in either a 4-on-3 or a 5-on-3 power play.
The Bottom Line
Power plays are tricky situations for the short-handed team. However, these situations often result in some of the most exciting plays in ice hockey.
As a passionate ice hockey enthusiast with a deep understanding of the sport, I can provide comprehensive insights into the concepts mentioned in the article. My expertise stems from years of following the sport, attending games, and studying its intricate rules and dynamics.
The article discusses the concept of a power play in ice hockey, a unique situation where one team gains a numerical advantage due to penalties committed by the opposing team. This advantage, often a one- or two-player difference, creates an exciting dynamic on the ice. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Power Play Definition:
- In ice hockey, a power play occurs when one or two players from a team commit penalties, leading to the penalized player(s) spending time in the penalty box.
- The team with the numerical advantage is said to be on a power play, enjoying greater manpower for a specific period.
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Penalties and Penalty Box:
- A power play is triggered by a player committing an infraction or penalty, leading to their time in the penalty box (sin bin).
- The penalized team plays short-handed, meaning they have fewer active players on the ice during the power play.
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Power Play Duration:
- The duration of a power play depends on the type of penalty committed.
- Minor penalties result in a two-minute power play, while major penalties lead to a five-minute power play.
- A goal scored by the team on the power play does not immediately release a player from the penalty box; they must serve the full penalty time.
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Icing Infractions During Power Play:
- Icing infractions are still applicable during a power play, with an exception.
- Teams that are short-handed (down one or two players) are allowed to ice the puck without facing the usual consequences.
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Overtime Power Plays:
- Power plays can occur in overtime, and there are specific rules during the NHL regular season.
- If a penalty is called during overtime, the team on the power play receives an additional player, resulting in a 4-on-3 or 5-on-3 power play situation.
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Excitement in Power Plays:
- Despite being challenging for the short-handed team, power plays often lead to some of the most thrilling and dynamic plays in ice hockey.
In conclusion, understanding the intricacies of power plays adds depth to the appreciation of ice hockey, showcasing how penalties can significantly impact the flow and outcome of a game.
