powerplays

Powerplays are situations in which one side holds a temporary advantage over an opponent, allowing more control over the proceedings than under even conditions. The term is widely used in sports and politics to describe a period of asymmetric leverage.

In ice hockey, a power play occurs when a team commits a penalty and the other team is allowed to skate with one or more extra players. A typical minor penalty lasts two minutes, during which the penalized team plays with one fewer skater, creating a five-on-four advantage for the opposing team. If a goal is scored, the penalty ends early; if the penalized team extends the infraction, the penalty time continues. More complex situations include a five-on-three power play, where two players are in the box, which heightens scoring chances. Teams employ specific strategies during a power play, such as traffic in front of the goal, patient puck movement, and coordinated shooting to exploit gaps in the penalty kill. The success of a power play depends on player skill, discipline, and the opponent’s penalty-killing setup, and it can shift momentum in a game.

Outside of sports, the term is used metaphorically to describe strategic moves in politics, diplomacy, or business where one party gains leverage to push for concessions, policy goals, or favorable terms. Such power plays typically involve timing, coalition dynamics, or procedural control to maximize influence during a limited window of advantage.

Overall, powerplays denote temporary, strategically exploited advantages that can influence outcomes across different arenas.