What Is a Breakaway in Ice Hockey?

A breakaway in ice hockey is a one-on-one scoring chance where an attacking player has a clear path to the opposing goaltender. The player usually receives the puck in open ice after getting behind the defense and then skates toward the net without a defender directly in the way.

Because the attacker has time and space to choose a move or shot, a breakaway is one of the most dangerous chances in hockey. The goaltender must decide how far to come out of the crease, while the attacker tries to create an opening before the goalie can make the save.

How a breakaway happens

Breakaways often begin when a forward beats the last defenseman, intercepts a pass, or receives a long outlet pass from a teammate. A defensive mistake at the blue line can also leave an attacker behind the play. Once the player is clear, the situation becomes a race toward the net.

For a chance to be considered a true breakaway, the attacker generally has a direct route to the goal and no defending skater between the puck carrier and the goaltender. The player may approach on the forehand or backhand, depending on their position, speed, and shooting angle.

What the attacker tries to do

The attacker can shoot early, deke around the goaltender, or change speed to make the goalie move first. A breakaway move in hockey may include a forehand-to-backhand deke, a quick wrist shot, a snapshot between the pads, or a shot aimed high over the blocker or glove.

Good breakaway technique involves keeping the puck close enough to control while forcing the goaltender to react. The attacker also needs to watch the goalie’s position rather than deciding on a move too early. If the goalie stays deep, the skater may have more room to maneuver. If the goalie challenges aggressively, a quick shot or lateral move may be more effective.

How the goaltender defends a breakaway

The goaltender usually skates out from the crease to reduce the shooter’s angle and available net. This is known as challenging the shooter. The goalie must remain balanced and avoid moving too far forward, because an attacker can use a deke to go around them or lift the puck over the pads.

Goalies read the attacker’s speed, stick position, shooting side, and body movement. Many stay upright while closing the distance, then drop into a butterfly position when the shot is released. The most common defensive choices are sealing the five-hole, staying square to the puck, and reacting quickly to a deke or lateral move.

Breakaway versus an odd-man rush

A breakaway is different from an odd-man rush in ice hockey. On an odd-man rush, the attacking team has more skaters involved than the defending team, such as a two-on-one or three-on-two. A defender may still be positioned between the puck carrier and the net.

In a breakaway, one attacker is usually alone against the goaltender. The defining feature is the clear scoring path, not simply the fact that the attacker is moving quickly or has numerical support.

Rules and penalties connected to breakaways

A breakaway itself is legal. However, if a defending player denies a clear scoring opportunity through an illegal foul, the officials may award a penalty shot or impose another penalty, depending on the circumstances and the applicable league rules.

A penalty shot gives one attacking player a one-on-one attempt against the goaltender. It resembles a breakaway, but the player begins from a designated spot and cannot continue skating after the shot. A normal breakaway happens during live play, often with teammates and defenders still involved elsewhere on the ice.

Why breakaways are difficult to score

A breakaway gives the attacker a clear chance, but it does not guarantee a goal. The goaltender can take away much of the net by challenging the shooter, and the attacker must make a decision while skating at speed. Small changes in puck position, shooting angle, or timing can determine the result.

Defenders also try to disrupt the chance without committing a penalty. A trailing defender may apply stick pressure, force the attacker wide, or prevent a clean shot. This is why a breakaway goal often depends on both the attacker’s skill and the timing of the defensive recovery.

Common questions about hockey breakaways

Does a breakaway have to be one-on-one?

Usually, yes. In standard hockey terminology, a breakaway means one attacking player has a clear path to the goaltender. A rush involving two or more attackers is normally described as an odd-man rush instead.

Can a breakaway happen during a penalty kill?

Yes. A shorthanded breakaway occurs when a team defending a power play creates a turnover and sends a player alone toward the opposing net. These chances can be especially dangerous because the attacking team may have fewer defenders in position.

Is every breakaway a scoring chance?

It is a high-quality scoring chance, but the player may be forced wide, lose control of the puck, or face a well-positioned goalie. A breakaway increases the attacker’s opportunity; it does not guarantee a shot or goal.