Can Teams Win By Taking Higher Quality Shots?
Jonathan Willis
November 09 2011 11:05PM
Shot quality is a hot-button issue among people who spend time trying to learn about the game of hockey through statistical analysis.
Intuitively, we all know that shot quality exists. A quick blast from center ice immediately prior to a line change is far less likely to score than a superstar taking a shot on a breakaway. The question, then, isn’t whether shot quality exists – we know it does – but whether teams can use it to help them win games.
Nation Network Hockey Pool: November 6th Edition
Jonathan Willis
November 06 2011 06:09PM
After the jump, this week’s Nation Network Hockey Pool standings.
Why Giving Pekka Rinne A Huge Contract Was A Bad Idea
Jonathan Willis
November 03 2011 02:30PM
The Nashville Predators made waves on Thursday by signing Pekka Rinne to a seven year, $49-million contract. It is the largest contract in the history of one of the NHL’s smallest markets, and it instantly establishes Rinne as the cornerstone for the team for most of the next decade.
Nation Network Hockey Pool: October 30th Edition
Jonathan Willis
October 30 2011 03:19PM
After many requests, we’ve finally sat down and updated the standings in the Nation Network Hockey Pool.
The 10 Worst Shootout Options In The NHL
Jonathan Willis
October 14 2011 04:52PM
Last night, watching the negative reaction to Tom Renney’s selection of Shawn Horcoff for shootout duty, I was struck by how poorly a player’s shootout ability is reflected in his overall offensive totals (Horcoff has, when used, been one of the league’s best shootout options).
So I decided to look at who the worst shootout players in the game (min. 20 shots) have been, and it’s quite a list. Among the skaters on the list are numerous major award winners – guys who have led the league in total goals, total points, and been named the NHL’s most valuable player. The Canucks, Oilers and Maple Leafs are all represented. One of them even shows up on the highlight video above. Like I said, it’s quite a list.
