When it comes to hockey, there are a lot of stats and terms to keep track of. One such term is plus-minus, which measures the goal differential when a player is on the ice. While it’s not the only stat that matters, it can provide valuable insights into a player’s performance.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of plus-minus. We’ll explore what it means, how it’s calculated, and what makes for a good plus-minus rating. We’ll also take a look at some notable plus-minus records in hockey history, and how this stat can impact a player’s stats and overall value.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the sport, understanding plus-minus can help you appreciate the game on a deeper level. So, let’s get started and boost your knowledge of this important hockey statistic!
If you’re ready to learn about one of the most important stats in hockey and how it can impact a player’s performance and value, keep reading! You’re in for an informative and exciting ride through the world of plus-minus.
Table of Contents
What does plus-minus mean in hockey?
If you are a newcomer to the sport of hockey, you might be wondering what the term “plus-minus” means. Essentially, plus-minus is a statistic that measures a player’s effectiveness on the ice by calculating the difference between the number of goals their team scores while they are on the ice (known as “plus”) and the number of goals their opponents score while they are on the ice (known as “minus”).
For example, if a player is on the ice for three of their team’s goals and two of their opponent’s goals, their plus-minus would be +1 (three minus two). Similarly, if they are on the ice for two of their team’s goals and three of their opponent’s goals, their plus-minus would be -1 (two minus three).
Plus-minus is a valuable tool for coaches and scouts to evaluate a player’s all-around performance, as it takes into account both offensive and defensive contributions. However, it is important to remember that plus-minus is not a perfect measure of a player’s skill, as it can be affected by factors such as the strength of the player’s teammates and opponents, as well as the team’s style of play.
Definition and explanation of plus-minus in hockey
Plus-minus is a statistic used in hockey to measure a player’s impact on the score when they are on the ice. The calculation is simple: when a player is on the ice for one of their team’s goals, they receive a +1, and when they are on the ice for an opposing team’s goal, they receive a -1.
The plus-minus statistic is designed to provide a snapshot of a player’s overall performance in terms of goals scored and goals against while they are on the ice. It is important to note that plus-minus can be influenced by factors beyond a player’s control, such as the quality of their teammates or the opposition.
The plus-minus statistic can be used to compare players within a team or across the league. A player with a high plus-minus rating is generally considered to have a positive impact on their team’s success, while a player with a low plus-minus rating may be seen as a liability.
How plus-minus relates to a player’s presence on the ice
The plus-minus statistic is used to measure a player’s defensive ability and overall contribution to their team’s success. A player who has a high plus-minus rating is typically viewed as an effective defensive player who helps their team limit goals against. On the other hand, a player with a low plus-minus rating may be seen as a liability on the ice.
The plus-minus statistic is also influenced by a player’s ice time. The more a player is on the ice, the more opportunities they have to contribute positively or negatively to their team’s plus-minus rating. This means that a player who receives a lot of ice time and has a high plus-minus rating may be considered more valuable than a player who has a similar rating but receives less ice time.
It is important to note that the plus-minus statistic does not take into account the quality of a player’s teammates or opponents. A player who consistently faces weaker opponents or plays alongside stronger teammates may have a higher plus-minus rating, even if their individual defensive skills are not as strong.
The significance of plus-minus in determining a player’s effectiveness
While plus-minus may not be the most comprehensive statistic in evaluating a player’s performance, it can still provide valuable insight into a player’s effectiveness on the ice. A high plus-minus rating indicates that a player is typically on the ice when their team scores, and off the ice when their team is scored against. Conversely, a low plus-minus rating can indicate that a player may be a liability on the ice, consistently on the ice when their team is scored against.
Plus-minus can also be used to evaluate a player’s defensive abilities, as a player who consistently has a high plus-minus rating may be effective at preventing goals against. However, it is important to consider other factors such as a player’s ice time, the quality of their teammates, and the strength of the opposition when evaluating their plus-minus rating.
Overall, while plus-minus is not a perfect statistic, it can still be a useful tool in evaluating a player’s effectiveness and contribution to their team’s success.
How is plus-minus calculated in hockey?
Plus-minus is a statistic used in ice hockey to indicate how many goals a player’s team scored while they were on the ice compared to how many goals the opposing team scored. The formula for calculating plus-minus is straightforward: a player’s plus-minus score is simply the number of goals their team scored while they were on the ice minus the number of goals the opposing team scored while they were on the ice.
For example, if a player’s team scored three goals while they were on the ice and the opposing team scored two, their plus-minus score for that game would be +1 (3 – 2 = 1). On the other hand, if a player’s team allowed four goals while they were on the ice and didn’t score any themselves, their plus-minus score for that game would be -4 (0 – 4 = -4).
The plus-minus score can be calculated for individual games, but it is more commonly used as a cumulative statistic over the course of a season. At the end of the season, a player’s total plus-minus score is calculated by adding up their plus-minus scores from each game.
It’s worth noting that while plus-minus can be a useful metric for evaluating a player’s overall effectiveness, it can also be influenced by factors outside of a player’s control. For example, a player may have a low plus-minus score simply because they were on the ice for a lot of goals against due to their team’s poor defensive play or weak goaltending.
The basic formula for calculating plus-minus
As mentioned earlier, plus-minus is a statistic used in hockey to measure a player’s impact on the game. The calculation for plus-minus is relatively simple and straightforward.
Here is the basic formula for calculating a player’s plus-minus:
- When a player is on the ice for an even-strength or shorthanded goal scored by their team, they receive a +1
- When a player is on the ice for an even-strength or shorthanded goal scored against their team, they receive a -1
- If a player is on the ice for a power-play goal scored by their team, they do not receive a plus or minus
- If a player is on the ice for a power-play goal scored against their team, they do not receive a minus
The plus-minus rating is calculated by subtracting the total number of goals scored against the player’s team while the player is on the ice from the total number of goals scored by the player’s team while the player is on the ice.
What is considered a good plus-minus in hockey?
While plus-minus is not the only measure of a player’s effectiveness, it is a good indicator of their overall performance on the ice. Generally, a plus-minus of +10 or higher is considered excellent, while a plus-minus of -10 or lower is considered poor.
However, it’s important to consider other factors that may affect a player’s plus-minus, such as their team’s overall performance or the role they play on the ice. For example, a defensive-minded player may have a lower plus-minus but still be highly effective at preventing goals.
It’s also worth noting that plus-minus can be highly variable from season to season, and even game to game. It’s important to look at a player’s plus-minus in the context of their overall career and performance.
Overall, while a good plus-minus can be an indicator of a player’s effectiveness on the ice, it’s important to consider the context and other factors that may affect this statistic.
The average plus-minus for players in the NHL
The average plus-minus for players in the NHL can vary from season to season. In recent years, the average plus-minus for players in the league has been around 0, which means that, on average, players are even in terms of goals scored and goals against when they are on the ice.
However, it’s important to note that plus-minus can vary greatly depending on a player’s position, role on the team, and the team’s overall performance. For example, a forward who is frequently on the ice during power play situations may have a higher plus-minus than a defenseman who is primarily tasked with defending the team’s own zone.
Additionally, players on successful teams tend to have higher plus-minus ratings than those on struggling teams. This is because players on winning teams are more likely to be on the ice for goals scored and less likely to be on the ice for goals against.
Overall, while the average plus-minus for players in the NHL is generally around 0, it’s important to consider a player’s individual circumstances and team performance when evaluating their plus-minus rating.
How does plus-minus affect a player’s stats and value?
Plus-minus can significantly affect a player’s statistics and value in the eyes of fans, coaches, and scouts. A high plus-minus can indicate a player’s effectiveness on both ends of the ice, contributing to offensive production while preventing goals against.
However, it’s important to note that plus-minus does not tell the whole story of a player’s performance, as it is also affected by factors such as the quality of teammates and opponents, ice time, and game situations.
Despite its limitations, plus-minus remains a commonly used statistic in evaluating a player’s overall performance, and a consistently strong plus-minus can enhance a player’s reputation and potential market value.
How plus-minus affects a player’s individual stats
While plus-minus is not the only statistic used to evaluate a player’s performance, it can have a significant impact on a player’s individual stats. For example, a player with a high plus-minus will likely have more goals and assists, as they are more frequently on the ice for their team’s goals. On the other hand, a player with a low plus-minus may have fewer points, as they are more frequently on the ice for their team’s goals against. This can affect a player’s overall value and standing in the league.
Plus-minus can also impact a player’s ice time and role on the team. Coaches often rely on players with a high plus-minus to play in crucial situations, such as when the team is protecting a lead. Conversely, players with a low plus-minus may find themselves benched or playing in a more defensive role.
It’s important to note, however, that plus-minus can be influenced by factors outside of a player’s control, such as the performance of their teammates and the quality of their opponents. Therefore, it should be considered in conjunction with other statistics and factors when evaluating a player’s performance.
How plus-minus impacts a player’s value to their team
Plus-minus is one of many statistics that can impact a player’s value to their team. A player with a high plus-minus rating is typically seen as a valuable asset because they are on the ice for more goals scored than allowed. Conversely, a player with a low plus-minus rating may be seen as a liability.
When evaluating players, coaches and general managers may look at a variety of factors beyond plus-minus, including ice time, scoring ability, and defensive skills. However, a player’s plus-minus can be a useful tool for assessing their overall impact on the ice.
Teams may also use plus-minus data to make strategic decisions about player usage. For example, a coach may be more likely to use a player with a high plus-minus rating in crucial defensive situations, while a player with a low plus-minus rating may see fewer minutes in those situations.
What are some notable plus-minus records in hockey history?
Wayne Gretzky’s plus-minus record of +98 in the 1984-85 season still stands as the highest single-season mark in NHL history. Gretzky also holds the record for most career plus-minus with an astounding +520.
Bobby Orr, widely regarded as one of the greatest defensemen of all time, holds the record for highest plus-minus in a single playoff series with a +19 in the 1972 Stanley Cup Finals.
In 1970, the Boston Bruins set the record for highest team plus-minus in a single season with a remarkable +216.
Players with the best career plus-minus in NHL history
Plus-minus is an important statistic in the NHL that tracks the difference between the number of goals a player’s team scores and the number of goals they allow while that player is on the ice. It’s an excellent way to measure a player’s impact on the game, and some players have been incredibly successful at finishing their careers with an outstanding plus-minus. Here are some of the players with the best career plus-minus in NHL history:
- Larry Robinson: Larry Robinson is widely considered to be one of the best defensemen in NHL history, and his plus-minus rating is a testament to his greatness. Robinson finished his career with a plus-minus rating of +722, the highest in NHL history.
- Wayne Gretzky: Wayne Gretzky is widely regarded as the greatest player in NHL history, and his plus-minus rating is just one of the many reasons why. Gretzky finished his career with a plus-minus rating of +520, the second-highest in NHL history.
- Bobby Orr: Bobby Orr is another legendary defenseman who finished his career with an impressive plus-minus rating. Orr finished his career with a plus-minus rating of +597, the third-highest in NHL history.
- Brian Rafalski: Brian Rafalski is one of the most underrated defensemen in NHL history. He finished his career with a plus-minus rating of +292, the highest among American-born players.
- Scott Niedermayer: Scott Niedermayer was a fantastic two-way defenseman who played for the New Jersey Devils and the Anaheim Ducks. He finished his career with a plus-minus rating of +167, the highest among active players at the time of his retirement.
These players’ plus-minus ratings are a testament to their greatness and their ability to impact the game in a positive way. They are true legends of the sport, and their careers will be remembered for many years to come.
The players with the highest single-season plus-minus in NHL history
Plus-minus is a statistic used in ice hockey to measure a player’s on-ice impact. It is the difference between the number of goals scored by the player’s team and the number of goals scored by the opposing team while the player is on the ice. A high plus-minus score indicates that a player’s team scores more goals than they allow while the player is on the ice. In this article, we will take a look at the players with the highest single-season plus-minus in NHL history.
- Doug Harvey: Harvey is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history. He won seven Norris Trophies and six Stanley Cups during his career. In the 1954-55 season, Harvey had a plus-minus rating of +55 while playing for the Montreal Canadiens. This is the highest single-season plus-minus rating in NHL history.
- Bobby Orr: Orr is considered by many to be the best defenseman in NHL history. He won eight Norris Trophies and two Art Ross Trophies during his career. In the 1970-71 season, Orr had a plus-minus rating of +124 while playing for the Boston Bruins. This is the highest single-season plus-minus rating by a defenseman in NHL history.
- Wayne Gretzky: Gretzky is widely regarded as the greatest player in NHL history. He won four Stanley Cups and nine Hart Trophies during his career. In the 1984-85 season, Gretzky had a plus-minus rating of +98 while playing for the Edmonton Oilers. This is the highest single-season plus-minus rating by a forward in NHL history.
- Paul Coffey: Coffey is one of the greatest offensive defensemen in NHL history. He won four Stanley Cups and three Norris Trophies during his career. In the 1984-85 season, Coffey had a plus-minus rating of +84 while playing for the Edmonton Oilers. This is the second-highest single-season plus-minus rating by a defenseman in NHL history.
- Barclay Plager: Plager was a rugged defenseman who played for the St. Louis Blues during the 1969-70 season. He had a plus-minus rating of +54, which is the second-highest single-season plus-minus rating by a defenseman in NHL history.
These five players all had exceptional seasons and were key contributors to their teams’ success. Their high plus-minus ratings are a testament to their ability to positively impact the game both offensively and defensively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a plus-minus statistic in hockey?
The plus-minus statistic is used in hockey to measure the performance of players and teams. It is a simple system where a player receives a plus one (+1) for every goal scored by their team when they are on the ice and a minus one (-1) for every goal scored by the opposing team when they are on the ice.
How is the plus-minus statistic used to evaluate player performance?
The plus-minus statistic is one of the many metrics used to evaluate a player’s overall performance. A player with a high plus-minus rating indicates that they are contributing positively to their team’s success by being on the ice for more goals scored than against. Conversely, a player with a low plus-minus rating suggests that they are not performing as well defensively and may need to improve their play in their own end.
What are some of the limitations of the plus-minus statistic?
While the plus-minus statistic is a useful tool for evaluating player performance, it does have its limitations. It does not take into account factors such as the quality of the opposition or the strength of a player’s linemates, which can have a significant impact on their plus-minus rating. Additionally, the plus-minus statistic does not account for special teams play, such as power plays or penalty kills.
Are there any alternative statistics to the plus-minus?
Yes, there are several alternative statistics used to evaluate player performance in hockey. These include advanced metrics such as Corsi and Fenwick, which take into account shot attempts and other factors beyond just goals scored. These metrics provide a more comprehensive evaluation of a player’s overall performance on the ice.
How does the plus-minus statistic impact team strategy?
The plus-minus statistic is often used by coaches and analysts to evaluate team strategy and make adjustments to gameplay. For example, if a team has a high plus-minus rating when a particular player is on the ice, coaches may choose to play that player more often in key situations. Alternatively, if a team is struggling defensively and has a low plus-minus rating, coaches may adjust their defensive strategy to improve their overall team performance.