Last updated: 3 October 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Morley, FA Level 2 Football Coach
A power play occurs when a player is sent to the penalty box, giving the opposing team a one- or two-skater advantage for 2 minutes (major penalties are 5 minutes). Power play % = PP goals ÷ PP opportunities. NHL average is roughly 20%; top units hit 25–28%. Special teams — power play and penalty kill combined — are a crucial separator in close games, with each PP opportunity worth roughly 0.3 expected goals.
- Numerical advantage after a penalty
- PP% = goals ÷ opportunities
- NHL average ~20%, top units 25–28%
- Combined PP + PK = special teams efficiency
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Open the Power Play & Penalty Kill Calculator →In practice
A hockey power play — when one team has a numerical advantage due to the other team serving a penalty — converts at roughly 15-25% in most professional leagues, making special teams (power play and penalty kill efficiency combined) one of the most statistically significant factors separating winning and losing teams over a full season.
FAQ
What's a good power play conversion rate in hockey?
Around 20-22% is considered solid in most professional leagues; the strongest power play units can convert 25%+ of their opportunities over a season.
How long does a standard power play last?
Most minor penalties result in a 2-minute power play, though it ends immediately if the advantaged team scores; major penalties can result in longer power play opportunities.