10-6-1: And It's A Power Play Goal!!

The Rangers rebounded from the loss in Vancouver with a 4-2 win over the Oilers tonight in Edmonton. It is nice to play a team in more disarray than you are and even nicer to come out of it with a win.

The Blueshirts still took their usual slew of bad penalties, but without their big gun on the back line, Edmonton couldn't take advantage of them. Ales Kotalik did his best Sheldon Souray impression and the Rangers were the benefactors. The big (injured) Souray always slaughtered with his booming shot on the power play and Kotalik wielded his cannon just as well. First he just blew the puck through Twitchy's legs and then his hard blast trickled through and Gabby chipped it home. Playing on away ice you have to take advantage of what the home team gives you and the Rangers did that to win.

Some other stuff before an early bedtime:

*Chris Higgins took a few shots in the early going and my buddy Pete texted to say that "Higgs has a new-found confidence, eh?" to which I replied, "we'll see". Well, we did. His give-and-go with Gilroy was deftly finished with a shot shortside on Twitchy for the first goal of the night. Not bad, not bad at all. And you could see how he had that extra jump in his skates the rest of the game - let's hope he keeps it up.

*Now that Higs has snapped out of it, how long before Chris Drury does? Dru has been great on the penalty kills but can't win a faceoff for his life and can't score - he's become a lesser version of Blair Betts. But Dru wears the C and has an ungodly countract ...

*Fellow BU alum Hobey Gilroy was outstanding for another game. It is disgusting how good he and MDZ are playing compared to Redden and Rozy. The veterans are atrocious; Redden swung his purse at Mike Comrie, allowing Mrs. Duff to get his usual goal against us. Considering how well the kids are playing and how smart Staal and Girardi have been, you would think that the veterans would be shamed into being better. Guess their shame is blocked by their wallets.

*An actual interaction I had during the game with my buddy Eric: 'where is Arty? Boyle is getting all of his ice time.' 'no late edm goals please.' Twenty seconds go by and Arty's giveaway sets up Visnovsky's goal - one that Valley should have stopped. Damn goaltender didn't even flinch as the puck sailed over his shoulder.

*I thought Valley, overall, was mediocre. Like Andrew Raycroft in Vancouver, he gave up some bad rebounds but the defense in front of him did well to clear the puck. I thought he hardly moved around the crease, getting that massive frame in the way when he needed to. Maybe it was good positioning, maybe it was luck, but it was a win without Hank in the net and that's what we needed.

*Jason Strudwick, without a mustache, is funny looking.

*Those throwback Oiler uniforms were not. Classic design and sharp colours; glad they went back to them.

*Sean Avery needs to step up his game - especially heading into Sloppy Seconds Calgary. Avery looked lost out there on the fourth line; he simply does not belong with the grinders. Granted, he hasn't deserved much more of late, but how can he snap out of a slump playing alongside Brian Boyle and Aaron Voros?

*Voros ... well, we have to be thankful. His horrible play should ensure that Dane Byers gets another go. What a waste of a jersey. And I had such high hopes for him when he was signed last year; it's a damn shame that he is hardly a NHLer at this point, if at all.

*They say that the Edmonton ice is the nicest in the NHL and you could see how smooth it was in the reflection of the lights at the beginning of each period. It is far, far better than the MSG ice - skating on that two weeks ago you could feel the bumps and grooves.

*You know how the Rangers can best sell ticket plans? Point out that you don't have to listen to Micheletti if you are in the building. I hate away games, having to listen to Joe is just infuriating.

*I may be mistaken but I thought I heard him say that Edmonton picked up Dustin Penner as an unrestricted free agent. Notevenclose. Penner, btw, blew me away by having such great hands for someone his size. Too bad it seemed like he was the only Oiler out there playing hard.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Stephen Valiquette - 26 saves.
2-Patrick O'Sullivan - one assist.
1-Marian Gaborik - one goal and one assist.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Gilroy - Confident, intelligent and capable, Hobey has the skills to be a helluva player and is certainly showing the signs at this early stage.
2-Kotalik - How many times am I going to type this? What. A. Shot.
1-Ryan Callahan - Maybe we should stop calling him Cally and steal Pete Rose's 'Charlie Hustle' for him. Hard work and dedication pay off, that simple. Cally goes into the tough parts of the ice and pays the price to get the job done.

 10-6-1: And It's A Power Play Goal!! - The Art and Impact of Power Plays in Ice Hockey

In the exhilarating world of ice hockey, certain sequences of numbers become synonymous with the most exciting moments on the ice. One such sequence is 10-6-1: And It's A Power Play Goal!!, a phrase that sends a jolt of excitement through fans and players alike. In this article, we will dive into the electrifying realm of power plays in ice hockey, exploring their significance, strategies, memorable moments, and addressing frequently asked questions (FAQs) that shed light on the art and impact of these thrilling plays.

The Power Play: A Game-Changing Advantage

Understanding the Power Play

In ice hockey, a power play occurs when one team has a numerical advantage on the ice due to a penalty assessed to an opposing player. This creates a pivotal moment in the game, as the team on the power play has a greater chance of scoring goals.

The Importance of Special Teams

Special teams, which include both power plays and penalty kills, play a crucial role in determining a team's success. A well-executed power play can swing the momentum of a game, while a successful penalty kill can provide a defensive boost.

Strategies and Tactics

1. Formation: Teams often employ various formations during power plays. The most common is the "umbrella" formation, where players create a diamond shape, facilitating quick puck movement and shots from the point.

2. Player Roles: Each player on the power play has a specific role. Forwards are typically responsible for creating scoring chances, while defensemen focus on maintaining possession and taking point shots.

3. Puck Movement: Quick and precise puck movement is essential to keep the penalty-killing team off balance. This opens up passing lanes and creates scoring opportunities.

4. Screening the Goaltender: Players often set screens in front of the opposing goaltender to obstruct their vision and increase the likelihood of a goal.

5. Retrieving Loose Pucks: Winning battles along the boards and retrieving loose pucks is crucial for maintaining possession during a power play.

Memorable Moments: Iconic Power Play Goals

The Miracle on Manchester (1982): In one of the greatest comebacks in NHL history, the Los Angeles Kings scored three power play goals during a five-minute major penalty to defeat the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of the playoffs.

Mario Lemieux's Five Goals (1988): Mario Lemieux scored five different ways, including a power play goal, in one game, showcasing his extraordinary skills and versatility.

Wayne Gretzky's Record-Setting Goal (1989): Wayne Gretzky became the NHL's all-time leading scorer with a power play goal, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players of all time.

Joe Sakic's Leadership (2001): During the Colorado Avalanche's Stanley Cup run, Joe Sakic scored numerous power play goals, leading his team to victory and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Power plays in ice hockey generate numerous questions from both avid fans and newcomers to the sport. Here are some frequently asked questions about power plays:

1. How long does a power play last?

The duration of a power play depends on the penalty assessed to the opposing team. Minor penalties typically result in a two-minute power play, while major penalties can result in a five-minute power play. The power play ends when the time expires or if the penalized team scores.

2. Can a team score multiple goals during a single power play?

Yes, a team can score multiple goals during a single power play, provided there is still time remaining on the power play after each goal is scored.

3. What is the success rate of power plays in the NHL?

The success rate of power plays in the NHL can vary from season to season and team to team. On average, power plays convert at a rate of around 20-25%, but some teams have higher success rates due to their skilled players and effective strategies.

4. Can a team decline a power play opportunity if they prefer to play at even strength?

No, a team cannot decline a power play opportunity. If an opposing player receives a penalty, the penalized team must serve the penalty, and the other team is awarded a power play.

5. Are there any rules governing the behavior of players on the power play?

Players on the power play must adhere to the same rules as during regular play. They can be penalized for infractions such as high-sticking, interference, and tripping, which would nullify their power play advantage.

In the dynamic world of ice hockey, power plays are a thrilling spectacle that can change the course of a game in an instant. The sequence 10-6-1: And It's A Power Play Goal!! signifies the electrifying moment when a team capitalizes on a numerical advantage to score a goal, sending fans into a frenzy.

The art of the power play, with its strategic formations, quick puck movement, and precision passing, highlights the intricate nature of the sport. As fans cheer for their favorite teams and players, they know that the next power play could be the game-changer that leads to victory and cements the legacy of the sport's greatest moments.