Plus-minus is a statistic used in hockey to evaluate a player’s overall effectiveness on the ice. It measures the difference between the number of goals scored by a player’s team when they are on the ice versus the number of goals scored by the opposing team. A positive plus-minus indicates that a player’s team has scored more goals than the opponents while they were on the ice, while a negative plus-minus suggests the opposite. Here are five supporting facts about plus-minus in hockey:
1. Calculating plus-minus: To calculate a player’s plus-minus, you track the number of goals scored by their team while they are on the ice at even strength, shorthanded, or on the power play. The same is done for goals scored by the opposing team during that time. The difference between the two numbers is the player’s plus-minus.
2. A team-oriented statistic: Plus-minus takes into account the whole team’s performance rather than individual accomplishments. A player’s plus-minus can be influenced by the performance of their linemates, defensive partners, and overall team strength.
3. Scoring on the ice: A player must be on the ice for a goal to count towards their plus-minus. This means that if a player is on the bench or serving a penalty during a goal, it does not affect their plus-minus.
4. Reliability as a stat: While plus-minus can provide insight into a player’s defensive abilities and overall impact on the game, it is not entirely reliable. Factors such as the quality of a player’s teammates, ice time, and matchups can significantly influence their plus-minus.
5. Historical significance: Plus-minus has been used as a statistical category to evaluate players since the 1950s. It has become one of the standard metrics used to assess a player’s two-way performance and has been incorporated into various player awards and honors.
FAQs about plus-minus in hockey:
1. How does plus-minus affect a player’s performance evaluation?
Plus-minus is one of several statistics considered when evaluating a player’s performance. It provides an indication of a player’s overall effectiveness on the ice and their contribution to team success.
2. Are there any limitations to the plus-minus stat?
Yes, there are certain limitations to consider when analyzing plus-minus. It does not take into account a player’s individual offensive or defensive contributions, nor does it consider factors such as quality of competition, special teams play, or game situations.
3. Who holds the record for the highest career plus-minus in NHL history?
As of 2021, Larry Robinson holds the record for the highest career plus-minus in NHL history with a plus-730. He achieved this impressive stat during his career with the Montreal Canadiens.
4. Are there any other variations of plus-minus in hockey?
Yes, there are variations of plus-minus used in some leagues, such as adjusted plus-minus and even-strength plus-minus. These variations attempt to account for certain factors like differing ice time or quality of teammates.
5. Can a player have a negative plus-minus and still be considered a good player?
Yes, a player can have a negative plus-minus but still be considered a valuable contributor to their team. Plus-minus should be considered alongside other statistics and factors to evaluate a player’s overall performance.
6. Is plus-minus used in other sports?
While plus-minus is primarily associated with hockey, similar statistics are used in other sports such as basketball, where plus-minus measures a team’s point differential during a player’s time on the court.
7. How can plus-minus be improved as a statistic?
To improve plus-minus, it can be helpful to consider additional context, such as adjusting for factors like quality of competition, zone starts, and situational play. Advanced analytics have been developed to provide a more nuanced evaluation of a player’s impact.
BOTTOM LINE:
Plus-minus is a popular statistic in hockey that measures the difference between the number of goals scored by a player’s team and the number of goals scored by the opposing team while they are on the ice. While it can provide insight into a player’s overall effectiveness, it should be analyzed alongside other statistics and factors to get a complete picture of their performance.
