What does "offside" mean in hockey?

In hockey, "offside" refers specifically to a situation where a player enters the offensive zone before the puck crosses the blue line. This rule is in place to ensure that players do not gain an unfair advantage by positioning themselves closer to the opposing team's goal before the play commences with the puck.

The idea is to promote fair play and maintain the flow of the game by preventing players from "cherry-picking" or waiting by the goal for a pass. When a player is deemed offside, the play is stopped, and a face-off occurs at a designated spot on the ice.

Understanding this rule is crucial for players, coaches, and fans alike, as it affects game strategy, positioning, and overall game dynamics.