In hockey, the term “+/-” refers to the plus-minus statistic. It is a statistic used to measure a player’s impact on the game by calculating the difference between the number of goals scored by their team when they are on the ice and the number of goals scored by the opposing team.
FAQs:
1. How is the plus-minus statistic calculated?
The plus-minus statistic is calculated by subtracting the number of goals scored against a player’s team while they are on the ice from the number of goals scored by their team. The resulting number is their plus-minus rating.
2. What does a positive plus-minus rating indicate?
A positive plus-minus rating means that the player’s team has scored more goals than the opposing team when they are on the ice. It suggests that the player contributes positively to their team’s offensive success while limiting the opposition’s scoring opportunities.
3. What does a negative plus-minus rating indicate?
A negative plus-minus rating means that the player’s team has conceded more goals than they have scored when the player is on the ice. It may suggest that the player is struggling defensively or facing tough competition.
4. Can a player have a plus-minus rating of zero?
Yes, a player can have a plus-minus rating of zero. This means that the number of goals scored by the player’s team and the number of goals scored by the opposing team are equal when the player is on the ice.
5. Is the plus-minus statistic an accurate measure of a player’s individual performance?
While the plus-minus statistic provides some insight into a player’s impact on the game, it is not solely indicative of their individual performance. Factors such as linemates, coaching strategies, and playing time can influence a player’s plus-minus rating.
6. Are there any limitations to the plus-minus statistic?
Yes, the plus-minus statistic has some limitations. It does not take into account various situational factors, such as power plays or penalty kills, that can heavily influence a player’s plus-minus rating. Additionally, it does not evaluate a player’s offensive or defensive contributions beyond goals scored and goals conceded.
7. Is the plus-minus statistic still relevant in modern hockey analytics?
While the plus-minus statistic was traditionally considered an important metric, modern hockey analytics has introduced more sophisticated metrics that provide a more comprehensive evaluation of a player’s performance. However, the plus-minus statistic can still offer valuable insights in conjunction with other advanced statistics.
BOTTOM LINE:
The plus-minus statistic in hockey 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 the player is on the ice. It provides a general indication of a player’s impact on the game, but it is necessary to consider other factors and more advanced metrics for a comprehensive evaluation of a player’s performance.
