The point (ice hockey)

In ice hockey, a player in the opponent's end zone at the junction of the blue line with the boards is said to be at the point. Usually the players at the two points are the defensemen, and the name is taken from the former names of the defense positions, point and cover point. On the power play the players playing at these positions are always known as the points, though one of the positions is often played by a forward.

The point's responsibilities include attempting to keep the puck in the offensive zone when the defensive team attempts to clear (see also Offside (ice hockey)), receiving a pass from the forwards to allow the play to reset, and taking slapshots at the goal, hoping to create a rebound or a deflection. On the power play the point is typically the "quarterback" and typically controls (through passing) where the puck goes, and also takes lots of shots.

Typically goals scored from the point are either on screens, or are typed goals.