Using Data to Understand Hockey
The Ottawa Senators lost their first 3 games of the first round playoff series against the Leafs and looked all but dead. However they have managed to fight back, win two games, and make it a series against the Maple Leafs. How have they done it? By playing sound defensive hockey. Using the Shot Analytics … Read more
Last week I looked at the relationship between player size and playoff success at the individual level (i.e. do taller/heavier players go deeper into the playoffs). What I found what that bigger defensemen generally go deeper into the playoffs than smaller defensemen but there is no relationship for forwards – both big an small forwards … Read more
We all believe that NHL players are getting smaller and more skilled but is it true and are the smaller more skilled players leading teams to playoff success? This all started by my (and others) observations that recent Stanley Cup champions have had big defensemen. Just look at last years Vegas Golden Knights. Hague 6’6″ … Read more