What is a 5-on-3 power play in hockey?
A 5-on-3 power play in hockey occurs when a penalized team commits a second violation of the rules and must send a second player to the penalty box. 5-on-3’s are rare, but outside of a penalty shot, they are among hockey’s most exciting and intense situations. Teams who are awarded a 5-on-3 power play must be prepared to take advantage of the situation because it doesn’t happen very often. There are several approaches to a 5-on-3 power play - teams can stick with what works on their normal 5-on-4 power play, but most teams utilize a 5-on-3 formation called a Box Plus One.
What are the benefits of using a 5-on-3 power play in hockey?
The primary benefit of a 5-on-3 power play is all the extra space to make plays as a result of the opponent having two fewer players on the ice. This gives the power play the opportunity to maximize skill-sets and move the puck around quickly in an attempt to get the goalie out of a position for a dangerous shot into a relatively open net.
What are the disadvantages of using a 5-on-3 power play in hockey?
The only disadvantage of a 5-on-3 power play in hockey is the frustration caused by failing to score and wasting the opportunity.
What are the forward responsibilities for a 5-on-3 power play in hockey?
The positions on a 5-on-3 power play are interchangeable and simpler than a typical 5-on-4 power play, but each forward needs to have excellent passing skills and the ability to deceive penalty killers by looking one way and passing another. The forwards are responsible for leveraging the opportunity and scoring from any of the dangerous positions in the Box Plus One formation.
What are the defenseman responsibilities for a 5-on-3 power play in hockey?
The defenseman’s primary responsibility is to “squeeze the space” from wherever they’re positioned. This means that they’re responsible for bringing the puck closer to the net and tightening the box in order to force the penalty killers to confront them, which will leave another player wide open. The closer the puck is to the net, the harder it will be for the goalie to read the next play and make a save.
Which coaches use a 5-on-3 power play in hockey well?
Coaches who devote the right amount of time in practice use the 5-on-3 power play well. Since it’s a relatively rare event, it can be a waste of time to over-do it in practice, but it’s a much bigger risk to under-do it and be unprepared should it occur in a game. Coaches who recognize the strengths of their best goal scorers and leave room for creativity within a structure generally have the most success.
What skills or strengths does a team or player need to run a 5-on-3 power play in hockey?
Besides the core hockey skills such as passing and shooting, a successful 5-on-3 power play requires players who can manipulate a penalty kill formation in order to exploit weaknesses which might only be open for a split second. Deception and creativity are paramount on a 5-on-3 power play, whether the formation is the Box Plus One or a team’s typical formation.
Which teams are the best examples that use a 5-on-3 power play in hockey?
Edmonton Oilers: the McDavid and Draisaitl-led Oilers have consistently posted historic numbers on the 5-on-3 power play
Colorado Avalanche: With Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar, the Avalanche boast a variety of powerfully skilled options on the 5-on-3 power play
