In ice hockey, what is a power play?

A power play in ice hockey occurs when one team has a numerical advantage on the ice due to an opponent's player being sent to the penalty box for committing a foul. This situation typically arises after a player receives a minor or major penalty, thereby reducing their team to four skaters while the opposing team fields five, or even more in the case of multiple penalties. The team with the power play generally increases their scoring opportunities, as they can control the puck more easily and create high-quality scoring chances.

In contrast, scenarios described by the other options do not define a power play. Scoring a goal in less than five seconds, switching goalies, or going into overtime pertains to other aspects of the game and doesn’t relate to the concept of player advantages due to penalties. Therefore, the defining feature of a power play is the advantage in player count created by penalties. This critical understanding enhances one's grasp of strategic elements in ice hockey.