penaltykill

A penalty kill is a situation in ice hockey where a team is playing with fewer players on the ice than the opposing team due to one or more penalties being assessed. The team that is short-handed is said to be "on the penalty kill." The opposing team, with the player advantage, is on the "power play." The primary objective of the penalty killing team is to prevent the opposing team from scoring a goal during the man advantage.

Penalty killing strategies often involve players working together to block shots, intercept passes, and clear the puck out of their defensive zone. Players on the penalty kill typically skate aggressively to close down passing lanes and force turnovers. The formation used on the penalty kill can vary, but common structures include a diamond or a box. The goal is to limit the time and space the power play unit has to operate.

Successfully killing a penalty is crucial for maintaining momentum and controlling the game. It can boost team morale and frustrate the opposition. Conversely, a failed penalty kill, resulting in a power play goal for the opposing team, can significantly shift the game's momentum and lead to demoralization. Teams dedicate significant practice time to developing and refining their penalty kill units, as it is a critical aspect of success in ice hockey.