When a player commits a foul resulting in a minor or major penalty, their team must play with one player less than the opposing team for a specified duration. This disadvantageous situation necessitates a specialized defensive strategy. This strategy aims to prevent the opposing team from scoring during the power play, thus minimizing the impact of the committed infraction. An example would be if a player is called for tripping; their team has to play a man short for two minutes.
Effectively negating the power play is crucial for maintaining momentum and competitive advantage. A successful defensive maneuver can significantly alter the course of a game by preventing the opposition from capitalizing on their numerical advantage. Historically, teams with strong defensive capabilities have demonstrated greater overall success. This underscores its importance within the broader context of the sport.