from Ryan Dixon of Sportsnet,
Proponents of advanced analytics who wonder when NHL teams will embrace the method en masse should have a quick chat with the anti-fighting crowd. Come to think of it, there’s probably some overlap in the camps, so while many backers of so-called “fancy stats” should know change isn’t coming overnight, there is some evidence of progressive thinking in the league.
A recent piece by Canadian Business highlights the overall reticence of NHL clubs to latch onto the type of new-wave statistical thinking that’s gripped other professional sports, most notably Major League Baseball.
The article cites Calgary Flames president of hockey operations Brian Burke’s declaration that, “Statistics are like a lamp post to a drunk-useful for support, but not for illumination.”
Burke’s brand of thinking may still represent the majority of the league, but there are signs of change.
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