When it comes to hockey, statistics are a key element in understanding the game. Hockey stats come into play on multiple fronts from keeping records, scouting players, and analyzing performance.
As you delve deeper into these metrics, you may have heard of “S” or “Shots on Goal.” This statistic offers valuable insight into a team’s aggressive playing strategy and its offensive prowess.
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
The official NHL definition classifies a shot on goal (S) as; “a shot that would enter the net if not stopped by the goaltender or some other factor such as a defenseman knocking the puck out of the reach of the shooter.”
This metric allows analysts and enthusiasts to evaluate teams and individual players alike. Knowing how many shots on goal a player is getting per match can indicate their importance as an attacking asset. On a larger scale, it also acts as one crucial cog in determining overall team success throughout the season.
“I’m glad people enjoy watching me play, but I try not to think too much about it because how can you be human and not let it go to your head?” – Sidney Crosby
Understanding what S means in hockey stats is essential whether you are an enthusiast or working in the industry. So, let’s unpack this critical metric further and examine how it fits within the broader context of hockey analytics.
Understanding the Basics of Hockey Statistics
The Importance of Statistics in Hockey Analysis
Hockey statistics are a vital aspect of analyzing a team’s performance. Coaches, analysts, and fans use different hockey stats to evaluate players, teams or leagues. The data contained within each stat reflects a particular area of performance strategic to the sport of ice hockey.
If you’re new to hockey, understanding what each statistic means can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, once you understand the fundamental measures used for analysis and comparison, it becomes much easier to appreciate this essential aspect of ice hockey fandom.
“Stats help define who is doing well on your team and overall, they show trends that determine whether things are going good or bad.” -Scotty Bowman
Commonly Used Hockey Statistics
What does S mean in hockey stats? Shots on goal (S) refer to how many shots a player has attempted during a game. For example, if a forward tries five shots and scores one goal while another forward attempts three with zero goals, then the first forward had more shots on net.
G is the abbreviation for Goals. It shows how many times a player has scored throughout the season. Similar to shots, knowing which player leads in scoring is an essential determinant of success as higher scorers usually produce wins.
- +/-: A plus-minus rating refers to the total number of goals scored for and against a team while a player is on the ice. Each time a player designs, helps assist or purposely creates a high-scoring situation, their +/- increases positively. If they’re on the ice when the other team does score, then their rating decreases negatively.
- PIM: This statistic shows how many penalty minutes a player has received during games due to rules violations like slashing, roughing, or fighting.
- TOI: Time on ice shows the length of time a player spends on the rink during a game. Knowing which players are playing more than others can help coaches make tactical decisions and construct lineups based on play times.
Hockey statistics contribute to analytics for fans who want an in-depth analysis of a team’s performance by showing valuable data related to scoring efficiency, protection against shots from opponents or how goals affect player ego and momentum.
“Data is inherently valuable. You can’t harness its power if you don’t access it.” -Corey Pronman
Statistics programs like Natural Stat Trick compile advanced metrics that provide insights into team strategies, comparing different playing styles. With increased advancements in technology, hockey analysts now have instant access to live data made possible through game sensors inserted beneath the ice surface.
Better understanding what hockey stats mean doesn’t require one to be a math genius but instead takes practice, repetition and familiarization with each metric. As trends are identified throughout gameplay, statistics become integral to making informed decisions regarding rosters and overall strategy, dictating the difference between losing and winning games.
Breaking Down the S Metric: Shots on Goal
If you’re a fan of hockey, then you have undoubtedly come across various statistical metrics used to analyze and describe players’ performances. One such metric is known as the “S” metric, which stands for shots on goal. So, what does this statistic really mean, and how is it calculated? Let’s break it down:
The Definition of Shots on Goal
In its simplest sense, shots on goal (abbreviated as SOG) refers to any attempt made by a player to score a point by shooting the puck towards the opponent’s net during a game. However, not all attempted goals are considered SOGs – only those that get past the opposing team’s defense and end up hitting the net or being blocked by the goaltender count towards this stat.
How Shots on Goal Are Calculated
Calculating a player’s SOG depends on how they perform relative to others in the game. For example, if you’re a forward who plays 15 minutes out of a 60-minute game and takes five shots at the opponent’s goalie without scoring, then your SOG number will be recorded as five.
Keep in mind that some factors may affect how easily a player can accumulate SOGs – such as the position they play or the efficiency of their team on offense. Defensemen, for instance, might find it harder to take shots since their primary job is to defend against the opposing team’s offensive plays.
The Limitations of Shots on Goal as a Metric
SOG might seem like a straightforward metric that accurately reflects the performance of an elite scorer or shooter. Still, it has limitations when assessing overall player value. Firstly, SOG doesn’t account for quality opportunities which may yield greater odds of scoring. A shot taken at point-blank range has a higher chance of resulting in a goal than one made from the blue line.
Another weakness is that SOG doesn’t reflect defensive contributions, like when players block shots or disrupt passing lanes – factors making an impact on team success as much, if not more so than offensive prowess. Additionally, SOG numbers need to be viewed in context against game situations and other metrics such as time-on-ice and possession stats.
Comparing Shots on Goal to Other Metrics
SOG is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to player evaluations, and understanding its differences relative to others can be informative. Goals scored is the ultimate indicator of effectiveness since they are the culmination of successful attempts, whereas shooting percentage might show the efficiency of a particular shot profile (i.e., scoring frequency based on solo rushes, slapshots, etc.). With that said, comparing all these different measures provides a fuller picture of how well players are performing both individually and as part of their teams.
“It’s hard to evaluate any one metric without considering the bigger picture. In isolation, SOG is useful, but it should be heavily weighted with others like Corsi or Fenwick to get a more accurate assessment.” -Anaheim Ducks coach Randy Carlyle
Why Shots on Goal Matter in Hockey Analysis
Hockey is a fast-paced and action-packed sport that offers many statistical measures to analyze the players’ performance. One of these statistics, Shots on Goal (SoG), is an essential measure in hockey analysis. SoG records every time a player shoots the puck into the opposition’s net during a game.
The Relationship Between Shots on Goal and Scoring
In hockey, scoring is crucial, as it often decides the outcome of the game. Analyzing Shot on Goals helps evaluate a team’s overall offensive strategy. The more shots a team takes, the more likely they are to score goals. Although there may be other factors at play, teams with a higher number of SoG have a better chance of forcing the opposing goaltender to make a mistake, which leads to scoring opportunities.
This relationship between SoG and scoring has also been proven statistically. An NHL study found that, over the past ten seasons, 76% of playoff games were won by teams who had a higher count of SoG. Therefore, SoG is not only important for individual players but plays a significant role in determining a team’s success on the field.
Shots on Goal as an Indicator of Offensive Dominance
Teams that consistently register a high number of SoG not only have a greater chance of winning games but can also control the tempo of the game. This style of gameplay puts pressure on the opposition’s defense, making them hesitant and cautious when attacking the opposition; thus, the offensive team holds the dominant position.
According to a quote from legendary coach Scotty Bowman, “If you don’t shoot, nobody knows you’re playing.” More attack-oriented teams tend to generate more penalty minutes since defenders are forced into taking desperate measures to stop them. The players taking more penalties lead to a power play advantage, enhancing the offensive team’s chances of scoring.
Teams with a low number of SoG indicate weak gameplay strategies. Analyzing SoG can help identify potential weaknesses in the team and its style of play that require improvement. Shot location is also an essential measure that affects a player’s ability to score as certain shots are often less effective than others. This criterion can also be used while analyzing teams’ performance by checking how well their shooters are positioned on the ice during the course of a game.
“A lot of guys come up charging like bulls out of the gate but don’t persevere or finish very well. They need composure,” says former Rangers coach Tom Renney
Shots on Goal is not only an important individual statistic but an excellent tool for analyzing team performance. Teams that consistently record a high number of SoG tend to have better overall offensive gameplay strategies and hold dominant positions. Therefore it’s clear why paying attention to SoG can make a significant difference on the field.
How to Interpret S in Relation to Other Metrics
Hockey is a sport that has evolved considerably over the years, with technology and analytics playing an increasingly important role. One of the metrics that have gained prominence in recent years is S – Shots on Goal Differential. This metric measures the number of shots a team takes compared to the number it allows, with the goal being to generate more quality scoring opportunities while limiting those for the opposition.
While S is gaining acceptance among players, coaches, and analysts alike, it is important to understand its relation to other metrics in order to make meaningful comparisons and draw accurate conclusions. Below are two examples of how S can be viewed in conjunction with other advanced statistics.
Using S in Combination with Corsi and Fenwick
Corsi and Fenwick are two other relatively new hockey metrics that measure shot attempts (shots on net plus missed shots and blocked shots) taken by or allowed by a team when a player is on the ice during even strength play. These metrics can help explain why some teams do well despite not having the highest S percentage.
“Corsi and Fenwick capture more of what’s happening than shots alone, so we get closer to understanding which players are driving positive possession in key situations,” says NHL analyst Rob Vollman.
S can also provide insight into which players generate high-quality chances as opposed to simply driving volume. A team may have a higher Corsi percentage than another but could still allow more goals because they give up better scoring opportunities.
How S Can Be Used to Identify Player Strengths and Weaknesses
Not all players contribute equally to their team’s results, and certain traits and skills benefit a proper calculation of the “Shots on Goal Differential.” Players who create offensive chances through slick moves and good decisions on the ice are more valuable than those who make poor choices or give away pucks frequently while advancing up the ice. Using S along with each player’s Corsi and Fenwick scores shows how they help – or hurt – their team’s success.
“We want to create scoring opportunities for our teammates,” says Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Steven Stamkos. “If we’re doing that, then everything will come naturally.”
S helps identify players who have been productive in moving the puck up the ice, creating chances, generating a high volume of shots, and playing solid defense when required. It also highlights any areas where individual performance improves by adjusting tactical play skills during games
Strong positional play is most common among defenders, but forwards should be well aware of what’s happening in front of them as well.”
- If used effectively, S can provide a deeper understanding of game strategy and player value analytics beyond traditional stats like goals and assists.
- When combined with CORSI and FENWICK figures, teams get even more comprehensive insight into which players suit specific scenarios best and prone tendencies resulting in positive returns.
Using S to Evaluate Player Performance and Team Strategy
The Role of S in Player Evaluation
In hockey, the letter “S” refers to different statistics that are used to evaluate player performance. These stats include Shots on goal (SOG), Shot attempts (SA), Scoring chances (SC), High-danger scoring chances (HDSC), Saves (SV) for goaltenders, among others.
By analyzing these statistics for individual players, coaches and managers can gain insights into a player’s strengths and weaknesses. For instance, if a player has high SOG and SA numbers, it suggests they have good offensive instincts and create opportunities for their team. On the other hand, low SC or HDSC numbers may indicate difficulty finishing plays or placing shots strategically.
“Statistics help highlight areas where you can improve as a player.” -Aaron Ekblad
How S Can Help Coaches Make Strategic Decisions
While player evaluation is important, S can also help coaches develop winning strategies by measuring how well teams perform in specific situations. For example, tracking Corsi-for percentage (CF%) which measures the number of shot attempts a team takes versus those allowed while a player is on the ice, helps determine possession and can provide insight into whether a team struggles when defending in-depth or attacks aggressively.
Moreover, looking at a team’s special-teams statistics, such as Power-play % or Penalty-kill %, can further aid coaches in identifying strengths and weaknesses to adjust tactics accordingly. Teams that struggle with power play goals might want to focus more on drawing penalties, while teams who dominate on penalty kills could adopt an aggressive fore-checking strategy to prevent opposition from gaining possession.
“Analyzing data allows us to make evidence-based decisions that give our team the best chance to win games” -Nate Silver
Using S to Track Team Performance Over Time
It is not enough for coaches and managers to assess player performance or determine which tactics are working. Over time, teams must regularly track different statistics (S) over multiple seasons to identify developing trends.
For instance, tracking a team’s goals against average (GAA) can help determine whether players’ defense has improved over time. In contrast, analyzing save percentage (SV%) can shed light on goaltender effectiveness throughout a season.
Moreover, access to these stats allows teams to make informed personnel decisions regarding trade deadlines or free-agency periods. Lastly, it provides better insights into how to construct future rosters with individual roles tailored around strong statistical areas such as power play or penalty kill percentages.
“Data helps us build models of success based on real-world results.” -Michael Lewis