If you’re a hockey fan, you’ve likely heard of Corsi, one of the most widely used advanced analytics in the sport. But what exactly is Corsi, and how does it work? At its core, Corsi measures shot attempts during a game to evaluate puck possession and shot differential. But there’s much more to it than that. Understanding Corsi is essential for analyzing team and player performance, and can provide valuable insights into a team’s strengths and weaknesses.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Corsi analytics, from the basics of shot attempts to advanced calculations and their implications. We’ll also discuss the relationship between Corsi and team performance, as well as player evaluation. And, perhaps most importantly, we’ll examine the limitations of Corsi and when it’s necessary to look beyond the numbers. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how Corsi works in hockey and how it can be used to gain a deeper appreciation of the game.
Table of Contents
The Basics of Advanced Analytics in Hockey
Advanced analytics have become increasingly prevalent in the world of hockey, offering a deeper understanding of player and team performance beyond traditional statistics. However, navigating this new world of data can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the terminology and calculations involved. In this article, we’ll break down the basics of advanced analytics in hockey, starting with some key terms and concepts.
Key Terms:
- Corsi: Measures shot attempts (shots on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots) to evaluate puck possession and shot differential.
- Fenwick: Similar to Corsi, but excludes blocked shots as they may not necessarily represent puck possession.
- Expected Goals: Predicts the number of goals a team or player should score based on shot location and quality.
Key Concepts:
Usage: Refers to a player’s role on the ice and how much they are relied upon by their team. Usage can be measured in various ways, such as time on ice or offensive zone starts.
Relative Metrics: Compare a player or team’s performance to the league average, rather than just looking at raw numbers. For example, a player with a positive Corsi Rel (Corsi Relative) is performing better than the average player in terms of shot attempts.
Data Collection and Analysis:
Advanced analytics require extensive data collection and analysis, often utilizing complex algorithms and machine learning. This data can come from various sources, such as NHL game logs and video analysis. However, it’s important to note that while advanced analytics can provide valuable insights, they are not the be-all and end-all of evaluating hockey performance. Context and qualitative analysis are still crucial in understanding the game.
Why Corsi is Important in Analyzing Hockey Games
Advanced analytics have revolutionized the way hockey teams evaluate player performance, and one of the most important metrics used is Corsi. Corsi measures a player’s shot attempt differential while on the ice, and has become a crucial tool in assessing a player’s overall impact on a game.
So, why is Corsi so important in analyzing hockey games? First and foremost, it provides a more complete picture of a player’s performance than traditional statistics like goals and assists. Corsi takes into account all shot attempts, including those that miss the net or are blocked, which can provide valuable information about a player’s ability to generate scoring chances and control possession of the puck. Additionally, by analyzing a team’s Corsi, coaches and scouts can identify areas for improvement and make adjustments to improve their team’s overall performance.
The Importance of Shot Attempts
One of the key reasons why Corsi is so important is because it provides a more comprehensive view of a player’s contribution to a team’s success. By measuring all shot attempts, including those that don’t result in goals or assists, Corsi can help identify players who may be undervalued based on traditional statistics alone. For example, a player who consistently generates high shot attempt differentials may not have a high goal or assist total, but could still be a valuable asset to their team.
The Role of Possession in Hockey
Another reason why Corsi is important in analyzing hockey games is because it can provide insight into a team’s ability to control possession of the puck. Possession is a key factor in determining a team’s success, as the more time a team spends with the puck, the more opportunities they have to generate scoring chances. By analyzing Corsi, coaches and scouts can identify players who excel at controlling possession of the puck, and develop strategies to maximize their team’s time with the puck.
- Corsi measures a player’s shot attempt differential while on the ice, and is an important tool in evaluating player performance.
- By measuring all shot attempts, Corsi provides a more complete picture of a player’s contribution to a team’s success.
- Corsi can also provide insight into a team’s ability to control possession of the puck, which is crucial in determining a team’s success.
How to Calculate Corsi and What the Numbers Mean
Corsi is a statistic used in ice hockey to measure shot attempt differential during even-strength play. It is calculated by adding the number of shots on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots attempted by a team and subtracting the number of shots on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots attempted by the opposing team. The result is the team’s Corsi number, which can be expressed as a percentage or a raw number.
Calculating Corsi is relatively simple. To calculate Corsi for a player or a team, simply add up all the shot attempts they take (shots on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots) and subtract the shot attempts they give up to their opponents. The result is a raw Corsi number, which can be further broken down into Corsi For (CF) and Corsi Against (CA).
How to interpret Corsi numbers
A Corsi percentage measures the percentage of shot attempts taken by a team while a particular player is on the ice. A higher Corsi percentage means a team is controlling more shot attempts than its opponent. A Corsi percentage of 50% or higher is considered good, while a Corsi percentage of less than 45% is considered poor.
Why is Corsi important?
- Corsi is a useful tool for predicting future success in the NHL. Teams with higher Corsi numbers tend to win more games and have more success in the playoffs.
- Corsi can also be used to evaluate individual players and their contributions to the team. Players with higher Corsi numbers are typically more effective at generating shot attempts and controlling play.
- Corsi can also be used to identify team strengths and weaknesses. Teams with high Corsi numbers are generally better at generating offense, while teams with low Corsi numbers tend to struggle defensively.
The Relationship between Corsi and Team Performance
Corsi has become an increasingly popular statistic in the world of hockey analytics as it provides insight into a team’s performance beyond just the final score. A team’s performance can be evaluated based on their Corsi numbers, which represent the differential between the total number of shots directed at their opponent’s net versus those directed at their own net. In other words, Corsi measures a team’s ability to generate offensive opportunities while preventing their opponents from doing the same.
Research has shown that there is a clear correlation between a team’s Corsi numbers and their success on the ice. Teams with high Corsi numbers tend to outshoot and outscore their opponents, while teams with low Corsi numbers typically struggle to control the play and generate scoring chances. While Corsi isn’t the only factor that contributes to a team’s success, it is an important metric to consider when evaluating a team’s overall performance.
Factors that Influence Corsi Numbers
- Player skill: The skill level of a team’s players has a significant impact on their Corsi numbers. Teams with more skilled players tend to generate more shots and scoring chances, which translates into higher Corsi numbers.
- Playing style: Teams that play an aggressive, offensive-minded style of hockey tend to have higher Corsi numbers, as they focus on generating scoring chances rather than simply defending their own net.
- Opponent: The quality of a team’s opponent can also have an impact on their Corsi numbers. Teams that face weaker opponents may have inflated Corsi numbers, while teams that face stronger opponents may have lower Corsi numbers despite playing well.
Using Corsi to Evaluate Teams
When evaluating a team’s performance, it’s important to look beyond just their win-loss record and consider their Corsi numbers as well. Teams with high Corsi numbers are generally considered to be strong possession teams that are able to control the play and generate scoring opportunities. On the other hand, teams with low Corsi numbers may struggle to generate offense and have a more difficult time winning games.
By analyzing a team’s Corsi numbers, analysts can gain a better understanding of how well a team is playing and what areas they may need to improve upon. Whether you’re a coach, player, or fan, understanding Corsi and its relationship to team performance is essential to fully appreciate the game of hockey.
Corsi and Player Evaluation: Who are the Top Performers?
Corsi has become a valuable tool for evaluating hockey players, and it’s especially useful when it comes to identifying top performers. By tracking a player’s Corsi For percentage, teams can gauge their ability to drive possession and generate scoring opportunities. So who are some of the top Corsi performers in the NHL?
One player who consistently ranks near the top of the Corsi charts is Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins. Bergeron has long been considered one of the best two-way forwards in the game, and his Corsi numbers reflect that. He consistently posts high Corsi For percentages, indicating his ability to both create and suppress scoring chances.
The Top Corsi Performers in the NHL
- Patrice Bergeron – As mentioned, Bergeron is consistently among the league leaders in Corsi For percentage.
- Ryan O’Reilly – Another player who excels at both generating and suppressing scoring chances, O’Reilly has been one of the top Corsi performers for several seasons.
- Victor Hedman – Defensemen often have lower Corsi numbers than forwards, but Hedman is an exception. His ability to move the puck and create offense from the blue line makes him a top Corsi performer.
What Corsi Can Tell Us About Player Value
While Corsi shouldn’t be the only factor considered when evaluating a player’s value, it can provide valuable insight into their ability to impact the game. Players with high Corsi For percentages are typically strong possession drivers who can generate scoring chances and limit the opposition’s opportunities.
Conversely, players with low Corsi For percentages may struggle to generate offense or control the puck, which can limit their value to the team. So when evaluating players, it’s important to consider their Corsi numbers as part of a larger picture of their overall performance.
Limitations of Corsi: When to Look Beyond the Numbers
Corsi, a metric that measures the total number of shot attempts by a team, has become a popular tool for evaluating player performance in ice hockey. While Corsi can provide valuable insights into a player’s contribution to their team’s success, it is important to understand its limitations and when to look beyond the numbers.
One of the main limitations of Corsi is that it does not take into account the quality of the shots taken. A player may have a high Corsi rating simply because they take a lot of shots, but if those shots are low quality or easily saved by the opposing team’s goalie, their Corsi rating may be misleading. Additionally, Corsi does not differentiate between even strength, power play, or shorthanded situations, which can also impact its usefulness in evaluating player performance.
When to Look Beyond Corsi
- When evaluating a player’s defensive performance: While Corsi can provide insights into a player’s offensive contribution, it may not accurately reflect their defensive abilities. Looking at other metrics such as Fenwick, which only measures shot attempts that are not blocked, can provide a more accurate assessment of a player’s defensive contribution.
- When assessing the impact of special teams: As mentioned earlier, Corsi does not differentiate between even strength and special teams situations. When evaluating a player’s performance on the power play or penalty kill, other metrics such as power play points or shorthanded goals against may be more relevant.
Conclusion
While Corsi is a valuable tool for evaluating player performance in ice hockey, it is important to understand its limitations and use it in conjunction with other metrics to gain a more complete picture of a player’s contribution to their team’s success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Corsi work in hockey?
Corsi is a statistic used in hockey that measures a player or team’s shot attempt differential at even strength. This means it takes into account the number of shots on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots a team or player takes, versus the number of shots on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots allowed by the opposing team or player. A positive Corsi indicates that a player or team is controlling play and generating more offensive chances than their opponent, while a negative Corsi suggests the opposite.
What does Corsi represent?
Corsi is often used as a proxy for possession, indicating how much time a team or player spends with the puck. A team with a high Corsi is generally believed to have more offensive zone time, creating more opportunities to score. However, it is important to note that Corsi does not take into account the quality of shots taken, nor does it differentiate between shots taken in high-danger areas versus low-danger areas.
How is Corsi calculated?
To calculate Corsi, the number of shot attempts (shots on goal + missed shots + blocked shots) taken by a player or team is divided by the total number of shot attempts (shots on goal + missed shots + blocked shots) taken by both teams. The resulting percentage represents the player or team’s Corsi for that game or time period.
What are some limitations of Corsi?
While Corsi can provide valuable insights into a player or team’s possession and offensive zone time, it is important to remember that it is just one tool in evaluating performance. Corsi does not take into account factors such as quality of competition, strength of linemates, or special teams play. Additionally, it is important to consider context when analyzing Corsi, as a team may be leading in Corsi but losing on the scoreboard.
How should Corsi be used in player evaluation?
Corsi should be used in conjunction with other statistics and scouting methods when evaluating player performance. It is important to consider the context of a player’s Corsi, such as the quality of competition they faced or their role on the team. It is also important to consider other factors that may not be reflected in Corsi, such as a player’s defensive ability, leadership skills, or intangibles that contribute to team success.