neutral zone

American  

noun

Ice Hockey.

1. the area of a rink between the two blue lines.

---

Etymology

Origin of neutral zone

1900–05, in sense “zone between the two scrimmage lines in football”

Example Sentences

Terry forced a turnover in the neutral zone in the first period and eventually scored his 11th goal on Strome’s pass from behind the net.

From Los Angeles Times

The Kings, who have switched the way they play in the neutral zone and on the penalty kill since last season’s postseason debacle, also added seven players since their last meeting with the Oilers at the Crypt eight months ago.

From Los Angeles Times

The team also ditched its plodding 1-3-1 neutral zone trap in favor of more offensive-minded 1-2-2, a formation Kopitar said has made the team dynamic.

From Los Angeles Times

Baier has worked to keep “Special Report” a neutral zone.

From Los Angeles Times

“We played faster, we played cleaner, we were better with the puck, better coming through the neutral zone,” McDavid said.

From Seattle Times