What is power play in hockey?

Power play in hockey refers to a situation where one team has a numerical advantage over the other due to a penalty. This occurs when a player from the opposing team is sent to the penalty box for a rule violation, leaving their team with fewer players on the ice.

During a power play, the team with the numerical advantage is typically able to control the puck more easily and create more scoring opportunities. They have an extra player on the ice, which enables them to maintain possession of the puck and set up plays to score goals.

Power plays are usually a crucial opportunity for the team with the advantage to score goals and gain a competitive edge. The team on the power play will often use specialized tactics and set plays to maximize their chances of scoring.

Penalties that can lead to a power play include infractions such as tripping, hooking, slashing, and interference. The length of the power play varies depending on the nature of the penalty, with minor penalties typically resulting in a two-minute advantage and major penalties resulting in a five-minute advantage.

Overall, power plays are an important and exciting aspect of hockey, and teams strive to capitalize on these opportunities to gain an advantage in a game.