Powerplay

Powerplay is a sporting term used in various games.

*In ice hockey, a team is said to be on a "power play" when at least one opposing player is serving a penalty, and the team has a numerical advantage on the ice (whenever both teams have the same number of penalties being served, there is no power play). Up to two players per side may serve in the penalty box, giving a team up to a possible 5-on-3 power play. If a goaltender commits a foul, another player who was on the ice at the time of the penalty serves. The power play ends if the attacking team scores. If the penalty is a double minor, a goal scored kills half of the penalty, thus taking 2 goals to end the power play. If a player is given a major penalty (five minute duration) a power play occurs, however if the team on the power play scores, the penalty is not ended. Major penalties only end when five minutes have elapsed or the game has ended. Misconducts do not result in power plays. If a team scores that is taking the penalty, it is called a short-handed goal. If a power play ends without the shorthanded team having been scored against, the shorthanded team is said to have killed the penalty. If a team scores on the power play, the team is said to have converted the power play (that is, converted the opportunity into a goal).
*In lacrosse, a similar type of penalty situation exists, though the duration of the penalty is only 30 seconds for minor infractions and one minute for major ones, as well as 3 minute penalties for certain equipment infractions. Depending on the infraction, the penalty may "release" early if a goal is scored by either team, or may be "non-releasable," meaning the full duration must be served. The term "extra man" is used more frequently than "powerplay." In box lacrosse, a powerplay is very similar to ice hockey. This situation is also often called "man up" or "man down", depending on the team penalized.
*In indoor soccer, in the forms usually played in the United States, there exists a powerplay situation similar to ice hockey.
*In cricket, the powerplay is a set of overs where there are rules to govern the position of fielders.

ee also

*Shorthanded