The power play in ice hockey is one of the key moments of a game. When a team has a power play, it has a manpower advantage over its opponent for a period that is usually two minutes in length but can last up to five minutes. A team is awarded a power play when the opponent commits a penalty. The main idea during the power play is to use that man advantage to get an open shot that results in a scoring opportunity.
Function
When you have a power play in hockey, you want to set up your team in the offensive zone to create a chance to score a goal. This is done by spreading out your players on the ice so they can create passing and shooting lanes that will not be impeded by the defense. In a typical 5-on-4 power play, three forwards will be closer to the goal, while two defensemen will be stationed near the blue line. Since your opponent only has four players, you can take advantage by passing the puck around until you find the open man, allowing that player to take a shot on goal.
Considerations
If you have defensemen who can shoot the puck hard and get it away quickly, your best strategy may be to funnel the puck back to the blue line--called the point--and let the open defenseman shoot the puck. In addition to having an opportunity to blast the puck into the net, the point shot often creates chances for rebounds and deflections that will be almost impossible to stop. "Your power play strategy depends on what kind of personnel you have," said Western Hockey League coach Dean Evason, who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League. "If you've got a lot of skilled players, you can work the puck around on the perimeter and then bring it in. If you don't, you usually throw a guy in front and get pucks on the net."
Features
One of the strategies that you may want to employ on the power play is the cross-ice pass. If you have the puck on the right side of the ice, the opponent may tend to bring the majority of its players over to that side. As a result, a player on the left side may be able to get open and take a clear shot on goal. Additionally, the goaltender will likely focus his attention on the players on the right side of the net and when the pass goes to the opposite side of the ice he will have to quickly scramble to get in the correct position. A well-placed shot after receiving a cross-ice pass may be impossible for the goaltender to stop.
Effects
Power-play opportunities can be important in determining the outcome of any game. Hockey tends to be a low-scoring sport and the power play may represent a legitimate chance to break through on the scoreboard. This can be a major momentum swing in the outcome of the game. If a team scores a goal, it gets a big lift. If it dominates play during the power play and gets scoring chances, that momentum could carry over once the power play is over. If the opponent blunts the scoring chances, it may seize control of the game.
Misconceptions
Many hockey fans look at a power-play opportunity as a chance for a team to go all out and attack. This is not the case. When teams have a power play, they cannot sacrifice defense. Your opponent is trying to get into the passing lane to break up plays or to get in position to block shots. If a player gets his body in front of a shot or his stick on a pass, the puck may rebound up the ice and create an opportunity for a short-handed goal. Teams that have the power play must be alert and aware and realize that an opponent can come up with a short-handed scoring opportunity.
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