Ice Hockey
Penalties and power plays in ice hockey: how player advantage works
Penalties can change how many skaters each team has on the ice and create a power play for the opponent. This guide explains the main IIHF penalty categories, shorthanded situations, delayed calls and what a power-play goal can change.
Penalty types and standard time
IIHF penalty categories include a minor penalty of two minutes, double-minor of four minutes, bench minor of two minutes, major penalty of five minutes, misconduct of ten minutes and a game misconduct for the balance of the game. These categories do not all affect on-ice strength in the same way.
Power play and shorthanded teams
A team is shorthanded when penalties reduce its number of skaters and the opponent has a numerical advantage called a power play. Common situations include 5-on-4, 5-on-3 and 4-on-3, depending on the game state and penalties being served.
Delayed penalty before the whistle
When an infraction is committed by the team not in control of the puck, the Referee can signal a delayed penalty and allow the non-offending team to keep playing. The whistle is normally blown when the offending team gains control of the puck, and the penalty is then assessed.
What a power-play goal can change
Under IIHF rules, an eligible minor or bench-minor penalty that is causing a team to be shorthanded can end when the team with the player advantage scores. A goal does not erase every type of penalty: major and misconduct categories have different service rules, and simultaneous or delayed penalties can change which penalty ends.