A good plus-minus in hockey refers to a positive differential between goals scored by a player’s team while they are on the ice and goals scored by the opposing team. It is used as a measure of a player’s defensive abilities and overall impact on the game. A positive plus-minus indicates that a player is contributing to their team’s success by creating scoring opportunities while preventing goals against.
FAQs:
1. How is plus-minus calculated in hockey?
Plus-minus is calculated by subtracting the number of goals scored against a team while a specific player is on the ice from the number of goals scored by their team. If the result is positive, it indicates a good plus-minus.
2. What is a good plus-minus rating for a player?
A good plus-minus rating in hockey varies depending on the team and the league. In general, a plus-minus rating of +15 or higher is considered excellent, while +10 to +14 is very good, and +5 to +9 is solid.
3. Can plus-minus be influenced by factors other than a player’s performance?
Yes, plus-minus can be influenced by several factors beyond a player’s control, such as the quality of their teammates, the opposing team’s strength, and the coach’s strategies. Therefore, it is important to consider these factors while evaluating a player’s plus-minus.
4. Can a player have a negative plus-minus if they score a lot of goals?
Yes, it is possible for a player to have a negative plus-minus even if they score many goals. This occurs when the player’s team allows more goals while they are on the ice than they score themselves.
5. Does a high plus-minus rating mean a player is a good offensive player?
Not necessarily. While a high plus-minus rating indicates that a player’s team tends to score more when they are on the ice, it may not necessarily mean that the player is contributing significantly to the offense. It also considers the player’s defensive prowess and their ability to prevent goals against.
6. Is plus-minus the sole indicator of a player’s defensive abilities?
No, plus-minus is not the only indicator of a player’s defensive abilities. It should be considered alongside other stats such as blocked shots, takeaways, and penalty killing effectiveness to get a more comprehensive understanding of a player’s defensive contributions.
7. Can plus-minus be manipulated by ice time?
Yes, the amount of ice time a player receives can affect their plus-minus rating. Players who consistently play alongside skilled teammates or in specific game situations may have more scoring opportunities while facing fewer quality scoring chances against, leading to a higher plus-minus rating.
BOTTOM LINE:
A good plus-minus in hockey reflects a player’s ability to contribute offensively while excelling defensively. While it is an important metric, it should be analyzed in combination with other factors to gain a holistic understanding of a player’s overall performance.
