from Stephen Whyno of the CP at MetroNews,
The NHL is at the beginning of an analytics awakening.
Advanced statistics, such as the tracking of total shots attempted for and against, have been around for decades, giving teams a glimpse of information behind the final score and players’ goals and assists. As stats and the game have evolved, more hockey people are seeing their worth to wins and losses.
Over the summer, several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers, hired analytics specialists to get the most out of the data available. Recent Stanley Cup champions like the Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks have had success with advanced stats, so it stands to reason that others will follow.
“You have to eliminate some of the noise and present the data or the information that’s going to best help the team in whatever regard that is: It’s scouting, it’s strategy, lineups,” said new Leafs assistant GM Kyle Dubas. “It’s taking what I know works and then incorporating that into the whole team structure and knowing that you’re dealing with a number of subjective pieces to the puzzle, as well.”
The most basic of the advanced stats are called Corsi, Fenwick, zone starts and quality of competition.
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.