A power play in hockey is one of the most exciting plays in any sport. The opportunity for fast-paced play and scoring is always present during a power play, and a power play at a critical spot in a game can change the entire complexion of that game.
Hockey Basics
Most hockey games are played with five skaters on the ice for each team, plus a goalie. Players may substitute for each other at any time, as long as the team does not exceed the maximum amount of skaters allowed. Physical contact among players is allowed, unless that contact falls outside of the established rules. When unacceptable conduct occurs, the referee may call the offending player for a penalty.
Earning a Power Play
Power plays are earned when the opposing team commits a penalty. Penalties are called due to any infraction involving illegal physical violence, illegal stick use, interfering with an opponent's progress or fouls related to integrity, such as embellishing an infraction by diving or playing with too many men on the ice.
Most penalties that are called in hockey are minor penalties charged to one team and not the other. When this happens, the offending team must play with one fewer player than its opponents, who are said to have a power play. If each team is charged with a minor penalty, the teams play with four players apiece. If a fight occurs and both combatants receive a major penalty, the game continues with five players per side.
Power Play Rules
When a team is called for a minor penalty, they are shorthanded for the next two minutes. However, if the team with the power play scores a goal, the power play automatically ends and the teams resume play at even strength. If the team on the power play commits a penalty, the two teams play four-on-four hockey until the penalties end. In the event that a team is down by two men, a goal nullifies the penalty with the least amount of time remaining, meaning that the power play does not immediately end.
If a team receives a major penalty, they will be shorthanded for five consecutive minutes. In this case, goals do not cancel the power play, so the team on the power play can score as many goals as possible. However, a penalty will cause the sides to play at even strength until the penalties expire.
Power Play Strategy
If your team has a power play, you'll want to be very aggressive and take advantage of the extra space and manpower your team has. Most power play setups include the two defensemen playing back by the blue line, which is referred to as the "point." Teams also have a large forward in front of the net who screens the goalie and tries to deflect pucks into the net. The other two players stay on the wings, who are relied upon to create open shots for either themselves or the point men. A critical component of power play strategy on offense is to have a skilled face-off taker on the ice at all times so that most of the power play can be spent on offense.
Penalty Shots
When a penalty occurs when a player is on a breakaway - that is, there is nobody between him and the goalie - a power play does not take place. Instead, the player on the breakaway is given a penalty shot. A penalty shot is essentially a replacement for the interrupted play. All players must leave the ice except the player who was obstructed and the opposing goalie. The skater takes the puck at center ice and gets an opportunity to beat the goalie and score a goal for his team. Whether the attempt is successful or not, the teams resume play at even strength after the shot is taken.
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