What is a "penalty shot," and when is it awarded?

A penalty shot is a unique opportunity awarded to a player when they have been denied a clear scoring chance due to a foul committed by an opponent. This scenario usually occurs when a player is interfered with while making a break toward the goal, and the defense's action prevents an obvious scoring opportunity.

The rules are designed to maintain fairness and uphold the spirit of competitive play, as depriving a player of a clear path to score due to a foul is considered a serious infraction. The player awarded the penalty shot is given a one-on-one opportunity against the goaltender, with all other players removed from the ice, which heightens the stakes and excitement of the moment.

The other options relate to scenarios that do not accurately capture the context and rules surrounding penalty shots. For instance, there are no penalty shots awarded simply because a goal has been scored or due to regular power plays, as those situations involve distinct rule applications. Additionally, penalty shots are not awarded at the end of a period; rather, they are relevant only to specific infractions that occur during play when a clear scoring chance is compromised. Therefore, the correct understanding hinges on the implications of a player's opportunity to score being disrupted unfairly.