What is the term for when the puck is shot into the opponent's defensive zone?

The term "dumping the puck" refers to the action of shooting the puck into the opponent's defensive zone, typically to relieve pressure, make a change in players, or to initiate an offensive play. This strategy is commonly used in hockey as it allows the attacking team to chase after the puck while making it more difficult for the defending team to regroup. By dumping the puck into the offensive zone, players can create opportunities to forecheck and retrieve the puck, leveraging their positioning and speed to regain control.

Clearing the zone typically describes a defensive action where the team currently in their own zone moves the puck out to alleviate pressure, while forechecking refers to when a team pressures the opposing players in the offensive zone to regain possession. A breakout is a specific maneuver used by the defending team to transition from defense to offense and exit their zone. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific role each term plays in the overall strategies employed within a hockey game.