Understanding the Plus in Hockey: What It Means and Why It Matters

As a hockey fan, you’re probably familiar with the term plus/minus, but do you really understand what it means? This important statistic measures a player’s impact on the game and can have a significant impact on a player’s reputation and career. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of plus/minus and explore its history, significance, and strategies for improving your rating.

If you’re new to the game, you might be wondering, what exactly is plus/minus? In essence, this statistic measures a player’s impact on the game by tracking the number of goals scored for and against their team while they’re on the ice. If a player is on the ice when their team scores, they earn a plus point. If a player is on the ice when the opposing team scores, they earn a minus point.

While plus/minus isn’t the only way to evaluate a player’s performance, it’s an important tool for coaches and scouts when evaluating players. A high plus rating can indicate that a player is an effective two-way player who contributes to both offense and defense, while a negative rating can suggest that a player may be a liability on the ice.

So, whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned veteran, understanding plus/minus is crucial for understanding the game of hockey. Keep reading to learn more about how plus/minus works, its importance in evaluating player performance, and strategies for improving your rating.

How Plus/Minus Works in Hockey Scoring

If you’ve ever watched a hockey game or followed the sport, you’ve likely heard of the plus/minus statistic. But what exactly does it mean, and how does it work in hockey scoring?

Put simply, plus/minus is a way to track a player’s impact on the game by measuring how many goals their team scores when they’re on the ice versus how many goals are scored against their team when they’re on the ice.

If a player is on the ice for more goals scored by their team than goals scored by the opposing team, they receive a plus rating. If they’re on the ice for more goals scored against their team than goals scored by their team, they receive a minus rating.

The plus/minus rating is an important measure of a player’s performance because it takes into account both offensive and defensive contributions.

It’s worth noting that plus/minus can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the strength of a player’s teammates and opponents, the amount of ice time they receive, and the game situation (such as whether their team is playing with a lead or behind).

Overall, the plus/minus statistic is a useful tool for evaluating a player’s impact on the ice and can provide valuable insights into their performance.

The Basics of Plus/Minus Scoring

In hockey, the plus/minus statistic measures a player’s impact on the game by counting the number of goals scored for and against their team while they are on the ice. If a player is on the ice when their team scores a goal, they receive a plus one (+1) rating. Conversely, if a player is on the ice when their team allows a goal, they receive a minus one (-1) rating. The plus/minus rating is calculated by subtracting the total number of goals allowed while the player was on the ice from the total number of goals scored while the player was on the ice.

The plus/minus rating is used to evaluate a player’s overall contribution to their team’s success, as well as their defensive abilities. A positive plus/minus rating indicates that a player’s team scores more goals than they allow when that player is on the ice, while a negative rating indicates the opposite.

It is important to note that the plus/minus statistic can be influenced by a variety of factors beyond an individual player’s control, such as the quality of their teammates and the strength of the opposition. However, over the course of a season, this statistic can provide valuable insights into a player’s overall impact on the game.

Factors That Affect Plus/Minus Scores

Ice time: Players who get more ice time are more likely to have higher plus/minus ratings. They have more opportunities to score and are also on the ice for fewer goals against.

Quality of teammates: Players who are on the ice with better teammates are more likely to have higher plus/minus ratings. If a player is consistently on the ice with players who are strong defensively and have a high-scoring ability, they are more likely to have a better plus/minus rating.

Opponents: The quality of opponents a player faces can have a significant impact on their plus/minus rating. Players who face tough opponents consistently may see their plus/minus rating suffer, while players who face weaker opponents may have a higher rating.

Special teams play: Plus/minus ratings do not include goals scored on special teams, such as power plays or penalty kills. This means that players who spend a lot of time on special teams may not have an accurate plus/minus rating.

Team style of play: The style of play of a player’s team can also affect their plus/minus rating. Teams that play an offensive style of game may have players with higher plus/minus ratings, while teams that play a more defensive game may have lower plus/minus ratings for their players.

The Importance of a Positive Plus/Minus Rating

Team success: In hockey, winning is the ultimate goal, and players with positive plus/minus ratings are typically key contributors to their team’s success. A high rating indicates that a player is consistently on the ice for more goals scored than goals against.

Personal success: Players with positive plus/minus ratings are often recognized as valuable contributors to their team and are more likely to receive accolades such as All-Star selections or end-of-season awards.

Contract negotiations: A player’s plus/minus rating can also impact their contract negotiations. Players with high ratings are often viewed as more valuable and can command higher salaries.

Improved ice time: Coaches often rely on players with positive plus/minus ratings in important situations, such as protecting a lead late in a game or during penalty kills.

Defensive responsibility: A positive plus/minus rating is a sign of defensive responsibility and awareness, traits that are highly valued by coaches and scouts at all levels of the sport.

What a Positive Plus/Minus Rating Indicates About a Player

A positive plus/minus rating in hockey indicates several positive things about a player’s performance. Firstly, it indicates that the player is contributing to their team’s overall success by helping to keep the puck out of their own net. This is crucial for any team, as it can mean the difference between winning and losing.

Secondly, a positive plus/minus rating can indicate that a player is strong defensively, as they are often tasked with shutting down the opposing team’s top players. This requires a high level of skill and discipline, and a positive plus/minus rating can be a reflection of that.

Thirdly, a positive plus/minus rating can indicate that a player is making smart decisions with the puck and minimizing turnovers. This is because a player with a high plus/minus rating is often in the right position on the ice and is able to quickly transition the puck up the ice, rather than turning it over in their own end.

Examples of Players with Strong Plus/Minus Ratings

Here are some notable players who have consistently maintained a positive plus/minus rating throughout their careers:

1. Nicklas Lidstrom: The former Detroit Red Wings defenseman finished his career with a +450 rating, the highest in the NHL since the statistic was first recorded in 1967.
2. Patrice Bergeron: The Boston Bruins center has been a model of consistency in the plus/minus category, finishing with a positive rating in every season since 2006-07.
3. Zdeno Chara: Another former Bruin, Chara is known for his imposing size and defensive prowess. He has finished with a positive rating in 13 of his 23 NHL seasons.
4. Jarome Iginla: The retired forward finished his career with a +73 rating, a testament to his all-around game and ability to contribute at both ends of the ice.

These players demonstrate the importance of a positive plus/minus rating in evaluating overall player performance and contribution to team success.

Strategies for Improving Your Plus/Minus Rating

Play solid defense: The most effective way to improve your plus/minus rating is to play strong defense. This means being in the right position on the ice, anticipating plays, and preventing the other team from scoring.

Focus on possession: Maintaining possession of the puck is another key to improving your plus/minus rating. The longer your team has the puck, the less time the other team has to score.

Make smart decisions with the puck: Turnovers can be costly in hockey and can quickly lead to goals against. By making smart decisions with the puck and not forcing plays, you can help prevent turnovers and improve your plus/minus rating.

Improving your plus/minus rating is not only a reflection of your individual performance, but also of your team’s overall success. By following these strategies, you can become a stronger, more effective player and help your team achieve greater success on the ice.

Playing Sound Defensive Hockey

Positioning: Good positioning is crucial in playing solid defense. As a defender, you need to be aware of your surroundings, know where the opposing players are, and be in a position to stop or intercept passes.

Stick Positioning: Proper stick positioning is an essential part of playing defense. A well-positioned stick can prevent a pass or shot, intercept a pass, or poke-check the puck away from an opposing player.

Body Positioning: Body positioning is another important aspect of playing sound defensive hockey. By using your body to position yourself between the puck carrier and the net, you can limit the number of shots or scoring opportunities for the opposing team.

Team Defense: Lastly, playing sound defensive hockey requires a team effort. Each player needs to communicate and work together to prevent scoring chances and maintain a strong defensive presence on the ice.

Developing Good On-Ice Chemistry with Your Teammates

Having good chemistry with your teammates is crucial for any player looking to improve their plus/minus rating. When players are comfortable with each other on the ice, they can anticipate each other’s moves and make quick, efficient plays.

Developing good chemistry takes time and effort. It involves understanding your teammates’ strengths and weaknesses and finding ways to complement each other’s playing styles. This can be done through communication, practicing together, and analyzing game footage.

One important aspect of developing good chemistry is building trust. Players who trust each other are more likely to take calculated risks and make plays that benefit the team. Trust can be built by being reliable on the ice, supporting your teammates both on and off the ice, and holding each other accountable for mistakes.

Finally, it’s important to remember that chemistry is a two-way street. It’s not just about finding players who complement your playing style, but also about being a player who can adapt to different situations and work well with a variety of teammates.

Maximizing Your Offensive Contributions Without Sacrificing Defensive Responsibility

Having a positive plus/minus rating doesn’t always mean you have to sacrifice your offensive contributions. Here are some ways to maximize your offensive potential while still maintaining your defensive responsibility:

• Play smart in the offensive zone: Avoid taking unnecessary risks and turnovers in the offensive zone that can lead to odd-man rushes for the opposing team. Take shots when they are available and keep the play alive in the offensive zone.
• Backcheck effectively: By backchecking effectively, you can quickly transition from defense to offense and create offensive opportunities for your team. Make sure to be in a good position and anticipate where the play is going to be.
• Take advantage of power plays: Power plays are great opportunities to contribute offensively without sacrificing defensive responsibility. Stay focused on the defensive end while waiting for scoring chances to develop.
• Communicate with your linemates: Effective communication with your linemates is key to maximizing your offensive potential while maintaining your defensive responsibility. Make sure to communicate effectively, understand your roles and be in the right positions to support each other on the ice.

Remember, while it is important to contribute offensively, a positive plus/minus rating ultimately reflects your overall performance on both ends of the ice.

The Role of Plus/Minus in Evaluating Player Performance

Overview: Plus/Minus is a statistic used in ice hockey to evaluate a player’s impact on the game. It measures the difference between the number of goals scored by a player’s team while the player is on the ice, compared to the number of goals scored by the opposing team.

Importance: Plus/Minus is an important metric because it takes into account both offensive and defensive contributions, making it a useful tool for evaluating a player’s overall performance.

Limitations: While Plus/Minus can be a helpful stat, it also has limitations. For example, it doesn’t take into account the quality of the opposition or the quality of the player’s teammates.

Context: When using Plus/Minus to evaluate a player’s performance, it’s important to consider the context. A player with a high Plus/Minus rating may be benefiting from a strong team or a favorable schedule, while a player with a low Plus/Minus rating may be playing on a weaker team or facing tough opponents.

Comparisons: When comparing Plus/Minus ratings between players, it’s important to consider their roles on the team and their playing time. For example, a player who primarily plays on the penalty kill may have a lower Plus/Minus rating than a player who plays primarily on the power play, even if they are both contributing to their team’s success in different ways.

Why Plus/Minus Remains a Key Metric for Evaluating Player Performance

Historical significance: Plus/minus has been used for decades and is deeply ingrained in hockey culture as a key performance metric.

Reflects team play: Plus/minus is a team statistic, meaning it reflects how well a player contributes to the overall success of their team.

Simple and intuitive: Plus/minus is easy to understand, and it provides a quick and simple way to evaluate a player’s impact on the ice.

The Evolution of Plus/Minus in the NHL

Since the introduction of the plus/minus statistic in the NHL in the 1967-68 season, it has been a useful tool for evaluating player performance.

However, there has been some criticism of the plus/minus statistic over the years, with some arguing that it can be misleading and doesn’t fully capture a player’s contributions on the ice.

As a result, there have been efforts to develop more sophisticated metrics for evaluating player performance, such as Corsi and Fenwick, which take into account factors such as shot attempts and scoring chances.

Despite these developments, the plus/minus statistic remains a valuable tool for evaluating players, particularly when used in conjunction with other metrics and scouting techniques.

Overall, the evolution of plus/minus in the NHL reflects the ongoing efforts to better understand and evaluate player performance, and it will likely continue to play a role in player evaluation for years to come.

The Origins of Plus/Minus and Its Evolution as a Statistic

Plus/Minus is a statistic used in ice hockey to measure the difference between the number of goals a player’s team scores while that player is on the ice versus the number of goals the opposing team scores. The origins of plus/minus date back to the early days of the NHL, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that it became an official statistic. At that time, the NHL began keeping track of plus/minus as a way to measure a player’s overall effectiveness on the ice.

Over the years, plus/minus has evolved to become a more sophisticated statistic. In the early days, it was simply a measure of a player’s overall impact on the game. Today, it takes into account factors such as even-strength vs. power-play goals, empty-net goals, and the quality of the opposition faced by a player.

Despite its evolution, plus/minus remains a controversial statistic. Some critics argue that it is too simplistic and fails to account for factors such as shot quality and the quality of a player’s linemates. Others believe that it provides valuable insight into a player’s defensive abilities and overall impact on the game.

Despite its limitations, plus/minus remains a widely used and respected statistic in the NHL. It is used by coaches and scouts to evaluate players, and it is often cited in discussions of a player’s overall value to his team.

Frequently Asked Questions