neutral zone

noun

, Ice Hockey.

1. the area of a rink between the two blue lines. Compare end zone ( def 2 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of neutral zone¹

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

Example Sentences

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

Whether this would lead to a longer-term Israeli occupation, or the establishment of an internationally patrolled neutral zone, or some other arrangement, is as unknown as the other outcomes of the ongoing conflict.

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

The Kings have had success with that system, which uses three players to clog up the neutral zone and make it difficult for opponents to enter the offensive zone in control.

From Los Angeles Times