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Measuring defence

ALAN RYDER

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 1:25 PM EST 12/02/08

Alan Ryder examines how defensive performance can be measured
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  1. Greg Beilhartz from Montreal, Canada writes: Interesting article. I'm usually wary of overindulging in stats, especially in a sport like hockey where the team component counts for so much. Which brings me to my one beef with your analysis. Looking at players' (especially defensemen) GAA while shorthanded is misleading. While shorthanded, 4 players adopt a box conformation which is only as strong as its weakest link. shots come from the point, from the circle, on a redirection, etc. If someone who is supposed to be blocking a shot doesn't, or someone overcomits and leaves a man open, goals come a lot easier, and it reflects everyones GAA.
    In a nutshell, the performance of an individual while shorthanded is far more significant than while playing even strength. I can't imagine Markov and Komisarek being among the worst defensive players on the Habs, that just doesn't add up. So I'm not sure it's applicable for power plays. but otherwise, cool article.
  2. Janis Miller from Canada writes: As always, fascinating read.
  3. Mark Worsley from writes: How about this for a stat that's never been put out there (to my knowledge)? ... The idea is simple: attribute some kind of value for a "penalty drawn"; i.e. the player who is fouled gets a point (or whatever). Of course the standouts like Ovechkin and Crosby would probably head up this list but it is my conviction (based on personal experience) that there would also be some very interesting surprises. This would then show another value a player might provide a team.
  4. Jean DesRosiers from Canada writes: Good analysis as always, but one detail really bugs me about your approach.

    I will only talk about the Habs because I know them best. In even-strength situations, Markov and Komisarek always play against the other team's top line, while Brisebois tends to be matched up against the bottom lines. Surely, this would have a great effect on the stats.

    I know the Habs measure their penalty killers by using a different metric: they use the average time on ice between goals allowed. Early in the year, Tomas Plekanec was tops among forwards on the team. (e.g. If a player has played 100 minuntes short-handed, and has been on the ice for 10 goals, then he has 10 mins/goal.)
  5. B.C. Expat from Ottawa, NCR, Canada writes: Interesting analysis, though didn't James Mirtle already do something like this last season?
  6. GM Reader from Canada writes: To comment/answer some above questions...

    Penalty plus-minus:

    http://forechecker.blogspot.com/2008/02/penalty-plusminus-trade-deadline.html

    Desjardins' Quality of Opposition:

    http://www.behindthenet.ca/
  7. Bob Kennedy from California, United States writes: Those results are eye opening!

    It seems to me that meaningful comparisons can be made across teams by assigning each player a score that is a ratio of his personal EHGAA over his team's overall EHGAA, and another score that's a ratio of his personal SHGAA over his team's overall SHGAA. That way, for example, a player with a 3.0 EHGAA on a team with an overall 3.0 EHGAA matches a player with a 2.0 EHGAA on a team with an overall 2.0 EHGAA.
  8. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Gee... the numbers say that Wozniewski shouldn't be killing penalties for the leafs.... quelle surprise.
  9. Neil no more last name from Missass, Canada writes: AS a jaded leaf fan, I can say I didn't need stats to tell me Wozer doesn't belong on the PK

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