penalty killer

American  

noun

Ice Hockey.

1. a player used when the player's team is short-handed as a result of a penalty, especially a player skilled at defense and employed regularly in such situations.

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penalty killer British  

noun

1. ice hockey a good player who, when his team is short-handed because of a penalty, is sent onto the ice to prevent the other side from scoring

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Etymology

Origin of penalty killer

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Anaheim’s defensive forward and top penalty killer will earn $15 million with the new contract after his first full season with the team.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

A veteran penalty killer and shutdown forward, he’s blocked many an NHL shot in the past decade.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2024

If your best penalty killer is your goalie, as the hockey cliche goes, that could be a problem for the Kings again and prevent them from making the leap to legitimate Cup contender.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2023

He also is a left-handed shooter and a quality penalty killer, which are two areas where the Kings have been lacking.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 1, 2023

Ovechkin beat DeSmith on the power play in the first when penalty killer Ryan Poehling left the Russian superstar alone in his trademark spot in the left faceoff circle.

From Washington Times • Jan. 26, 2023