Special Teams in Hockey: How Power Play and Penalty Kill Units Change the Game

Ice hockey has always been a sport where every second on the clock counts and each decision can turn the tide of a game. Among the many facets of strategy that make hockey so thrilling, special teams stand out as true game-changers. These dedicated units—the power play and penalty kill—are tasked with managing moments of man-advantage or disadvantage, giving teams a crucial edge in some of the game’s most intense situations.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to explore the sport, understanding the roles of special teams unveils a fascinating layer of hockey strategy. Not only do they impact the scoreboard, but they also add unpredictable excitement to every game.

What Are Special Teams?

Special teams come into play when one team has a numerical advantage over the other due to penalties. When a player commits an infraction, they are sent to the penalty box for two to five minutes, leaving their team shorthanded. This creates two unique scenarios for the opposing teams to manage:

• The Power Play: The team with the numerical advantage, known as the power play, sends out their best goal scorers to capitalize on the extra space and score.
• The Penalty Kill: The shorthanded team deploys their penalty-killing unit with the goal of surviving the penalty without conceding and, if possible, capitalizing on a counterattack.

Both situations demand precision, discipline, and creativity, making them a critical part of any hockey game.

The Power Play: Turning an Advantage into Goals

Few moments in hockey are as exciting as watching a power-play unit set up in the offensive zone. With one fewer defender on the ice, teams have the chance to showcase their most skilled players and execute set plays to beat the goalie.

Key Strategies of the Power Play

• Puck Movement: The key to a successful power play is quick and deliberate puck movement. By cycling the puck around the offensive zone, teams force the shorthanded unit to move constantly, creating gaps and lanes for shots.
• Screening the Goalie: A player often positions themselves in front of the opposing goalie to screen their vision, making it harder to track incoming shots.
• Point Shots: Players at the blue line take hard, accurate shots from distance, with teammates trying to deflect the puck into the net or pounce on rebounds.

An effective power-play unit can swing momentum, invigorate the team, and energize the arena with a well-executed goal. Conversely, failing to convert on power-play opportunities can drain confidence and leave fans on edge.

The Penalty Kill: Defending with Grit

If the power play brings finesse and creativity to the game, the penalty kill is all about grit, determination, and controlled aggression. Though playing shorthanded might seem like a disadvantage, a great penalty-killing unit turns it into an opportunity to frustrate their opponents and even score a rare shorthanded goal.

Key Strategies of the Penalty Kill

• Aggressive Forechecking: The penalty-killing team often applies pressure in the neutral zone or deep in the opponent’s end to disrupt their power-play setup.
• Blocking Shots: Penalty killers frequently throw their bodies in front of incoming shots, sacrificing themselves to protect the net.
• Clearing the Zone: Winning puck battles and sending the puck down the ice forces the power play to reset, burning valuable penalty time.

A successful penalty kill not only prevents opponents from scoring but can serve as a morale boost for the team. Fans love seeing their team stymie a power play with relentless effort, and it often brings a thunderous ovation from the crowd.

Why Special Teams Are Game-Changers

Special teams are a defining factor in any hockey game. A top-tier power play can win games outright, just as a lockdown penalty kill can preserve a hard-fought lead. Teams that excel in special teams situations often find themselves atop the standings.

Here’s why they’re so critical to the game of hockey:

• Momentum Shifts: A power-play goal can energize the team and the crowd, while a strong penalty kill can shift momentum and deflate the opposition.
• High-Stakes Excitement: Special teams introduce some of the most nerve-wracking and thrilling moments in hockey. Every second is packed with action, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
• Strategic Battles: Coaching plays a massive role in special teams, with bench bosses designing intricate plays for the power play and positioning schemes for the penalty kill.

Some of the NHL’s greatest teams are renowned for their special teams dominance, and the same holds true across professional hockey, including teams like the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Experience Special Teams Action Live

Words can only describe so much of the intensity and brilliance that comes with special teams hockey. The best way to understand their impact is to experience it live. There’s nothing like witnessing the roaring anticipation of a power play forming or the nail-biting tension of a penalty kill in action.

At Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins games, you’ll get a front-row seat to the drama and strategy that only live hockey can deliver. Watch as special teams seize control of the game and help define its outcome, all while cheering with fellow Penguin faithful.

Get Your Tickets Today!

Every hockey fan deserves to witness the thrill of special teams in action. From precision passing on the power play to heroic shot-blocking during a penalty kill, these moments are what make the sport so electrifying.

Don’t miss your chance to see the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins battle it out on the ice, live and in person. Grab your tickets now and experience hockey at its most thrilling—you won’t want to miss the action!