What is the term for a goal scored while a team is on the power play?

A goal scored while a team is on the power play is called a power-play goal. It is recorded when a team has a numerical advantage because an opposing player is serving a penalty.

In standard NHL play, a minor penalty usually sends a player to the penalty box for two minutes. During that time, the penalized team normally has four skaters against the opponent’s five, creating the power play. If the advantaged team scores, the goal is classified as a power-play goal, commonly abbreviated PPG in statistics.

The term describes the game situation, not the type of shot or the player who scored. A slap shot, wrist shot, tip-in, or rebound can all become a power-play goal. The goal may also end a minor penalty early, although major penalties generally continue regardless of a goal.

This is different from a shorthanded goal, which is scored by the team playing with fewer skaters. An even-strength goal comes with both teams at equal strength, while an empty-net goal describes a goal into an undefended net and can occur during several different situations.