In hockey, the term “sm” typically stands for “shorthanded goals against” or “short-handed minus”. It is a statistic that represents the number of goals a team has allowed while playing with a disadvantage, often due to a penalty.
FAQs:
1. What is a shorthanded goal in hockey?
A shorthanded goal occurs when a team scores a goal while they are playing with fewer players on the ice due to a penalty. This means the opposing team has a power play advantage, but the shorthanded team manages to score despite being at a disadvantage.
2. How is the “sm” statistic calculated?
The “sm” statistic is calculated by counting the number of goals the team has allowed while playing shorthanded throughout a game, season, or career. It helps evaluate a team’s penalty-killing effectiveness and defensive strength when they are down a player.
3. Is the “sm” statistic important in hockey?
Yes, the “sm” statistic is important as it reflects a team’s ability to defend and prevent goals while they are at a disadvantage. A low “sm” number indicates a strong penalty-killing unit and disciplined defensive play.
4. Can a team have a negative “sm” statistic?
No, a team cannot have a negative “sm” statistic. It only represents the number of goals allowed while shorthanded, so it is always equal to or greater than zero.
5. How does the “sm” statistic affect a team’s performance?
A higher “sm” statistic usually indicates that a team may struggle to defend effectively while playing shorthanded. It may suggest weaknesses in their penalty-killing strategies, positioning, or overall defensive skills.
6. Are shorthanded goals against the same as power play goals for the opposing team?
No, shorthanded goals against and power play goals for the opposing team are separate statistics. Shorthanded goals against represent the goals allowed by a team while they are on a penalty kill, while power play goals for the opposing team represent goals scored by the team with a man advantage.
7. Are there any notable records or achievements related to the “sm” statistic?
While there aren’t specific records dedicated solely to the “sm” statistic, it is often used in combination with other penalty-killing or defensive metrics to evaluate a team’s overall performance.
BOTTOM LINE:
In hockey, the “sm” statistic represents the number of goals a team has allowed while playing shorthanded. It helps assess a team’s defensive strength and penalty-killing effectiveness. A lower “sm” number indicates a stronger penalty-killing unit, while a higher number suggests weaknesses in defending while at a disadvantage.
