Are you new to hockey and struggling to understand the statistics used to evaluate players? One statistic you’ll hear a lot is Plus-Minus. But what is it, and how does it work?
Plus-Minus is a statistic used in hockey to measure a player’s impact on the game’s outcome. It measures the difference between the number of goals a player’s team scores while they are on the ice and the number of goals the opposing team scores.
Understanding Plus-Minus is crucial to assessing a player’s defensive abilities, but it can be confusing for beginners. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Plus-Minus in hockey.
If you want to learn how to evaluate players like a pro, keep reading to find out more about Plus-Minus in hockey.
Table of Contents
How Plus-Minus Works in Hockey
Understanding how plus-minus works in hockey is essential for any beginner looking to grasp the fundamentals of the sport. At its core, plus-minus is a statistic that tracks how many goals a player’s team scores while they’re on the ice versus how many goals are scored against them. If a player is on the ice when their team scores, they get a +If they’re on the ice when the other team scores, they get a -The sum of these plus and minus values is the player’s overall plus-minus for the game.
The plus-minus statistic is not only used for individual players but also for teams as a whole. By calculating the difference between the number of goals a team scores versus the number of goals scored against them, the plus-minus of a team can be determined. A positive plus-minus for a team indicates they’re scoring more goals than they’re giving up, while a negative plus-minus indicates the opposite.
While the plus-minus statistic is relatively simple to understand, it doesn’t take into account other important factors such as a player’s ice time, special teams play, or the quality of their opponents. Despite these limitations, plus-minus remains a valuable tool for evaluating a player’s performance and contribution to their team.
Understanding the Basic Principle
The basic principle of plus-minus is relatively simple: when a player is on the ice and their team scores a goal, they receive a +1 in their plus-minus rating. Conversely, if they are on the ice and the opposing team scores a goal, they receive a -1 in their plus-minus rating.
- On-Ice Performance: Plus-minus is often used as a metric to evaluate a player’s overall performance on the ice. A high plus-minus rating can indicate that a player is contributing positively to their team, while a low plus-minus rating may indicate that they are a liability on the ice.
- Shortcomings: It’s important to note that plus-minus can have its shortcomings as a statistic, as it does not take into account the quality of the opposition, the strength of the player’s teammates, or other factors that may influence their performance.
- Special Teams: Plus-minus ratings are calculated differently for special teams situations, such as power plays and penalty kills. For example, a player on the ice during a power play goal for their team will receive a +1 in their plus-minus rating, while a player on the ice during a shorthanded goal against their team will receive a -1 in their plus-minus rating.
- Zero Rating: In some cases, a player may have a zero plus-minus rating, meaning that they were not on the ice for any goals scored by either team. This is not necessarily an indicator of poor performance, but rather a neutral rating.
- Season-Long Ratings: Plus-minus ratings can be calculated over the course of a single game, a season, or even an entire career. Season-long ratings can provide a more comprehensive picture of a player’s performance, as it takes into account their overall contributions over a longer period of time.
- Impact of Plus-Minus: While plus-minus is not the be-all and end-all of hockey statistics, it can be a useful tool in evaluating a player’s performance on the ice. When used in conjunction with other metrics and factors, plus-minus can provide a more complete picture of a player’s impact on the game.
Understanding the basic principle of plus-minus is essential to evaluating a player’s performance on the ice. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this statistic is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to evaluating a player’s overall impact on the game.
Why Plus-Minus is Important in Evaluating Players
Plus-minus is considered one of the most important statistics in hockey, as it helps evaluate a player’s overall performance on the ice. It’s not just about scoring goals or making assists, but also about a player’s defensive skills and their ability to prevent the opposition from scoring.
One of the main benefits of plus-minus is that it helps coaches and general managers to identify which players are contributing to the team’s success, even if they are not putting up big offensive numbers. For example, a player with a high plus-minus rating might not be scoring many goals, but they are consistently preventing the opposition from scoring, which can be just as valuable to the team’s success.
Furthermore, plus-minus provides an easy way to compare players across different positions and roles. For example, a defenseman who spends most of their time on the ice defending their own zone might have a lower plus-minus rating than a forward who is regularly contributing offensively. However, the defenseman’s role is to prevent goals, while the forward’s role is to score them, so the plus-minus statistic helps to put their contributions into perspective.
Determining a Player’s Impact on the Game
Plus-minus is often used to evaluate a player’s impact on the game. By looking at a player’s plus-minus rating, you can see how many goals their team scored while they were on the ice compared to how many goals were scored against them. This can help to identify players who are strong defensively and help their team score more goals.
However, it’s important to note that plus-minus does not take into account the quality of a player’s opposition or the strength of their teammates. A player on a team with strong defensive players may have a better plus-minus rating than a player on a team with weaker defensive players, even if they are not as skilled.
Still, plus-minus is a useful statistic to consider when evaluating a player’s overall impact on the game. It can provide valuable insight into a player’s defensive abilities and their ability to help their team score more goals.
The History of Plus-Minus in Hockey
When it comes to evaluating a player’s performance in hockey, there are a number of statistics that can be used. One such statistic that has been used for over 100 years is plus-minus. This statistic was first introduced in the 1909-1910 season of the National Hockey Association, which was the predecessor to the NHL.
The basic concept of plus-minus is simple. When a player is on the ice and his team scores a goal, he receives a +Conversely, if the opposing team scores a goal while he is on the ice, he receives a -At the end of the game, a player’s plus-minus is calculated by subtracting the number of goals scored against his team while he was on the ice from the number of goals scored by his team while he was on the ice.
One of the reasons that plus-minus has remained a popular statistic for so long is that it provides a good measure of a player’s defensive abilities. A player with a high plus-minus is typically on the ice for more goals scored by his team than goals scored against, indicating that he is a strong defensive player.
However, plus-minus is not without its flaws. For example, it does not take into account the quality of a player’s teammates or opponents, which can have a significant impact on his plus-minus. Additionally, plus-minus can be influenced by factors outside of a player’s control, such as lucky bounces or bad calls by referees.
Despite these limitations, plus-minus remains a popular statistic in hockey, and it is used by many coaches and analysts as a way to evaluate a player’s overall performance on the ice.
The History of Plus-Minus in Hockey
Origins of the Statistic
| Year | League | Player |
|---|---|---|
| 1909 | National Hockey Association | Ernie “Moose” Johnson |
| 1910 | National Hockey Association | Eddie Oatman |
| 1911 | National Hockey Association | Marty Walsh |
| 1912 | National Hockey Association | Cy Denneny |
| 1913 | National Hockey Association | Odie Cleghorn |
| 1914 | National Hockey Association | Bert Corbeau |
The plus-minus statistic has a long history in hockey, dating back over 100 years to the early days of the sport. The first known use of the statistic was in the 1909-1910 season of the National Hockey Association (NHA), which was the predecessor to the National Hockey League (NHL).
The first player to lead the NHA in plus-minus was Ernie “Moose” Johnson of the Quebec Bulldogs, who had a plus-minus rating of +23 in the league’s inaugural season. Over the next several years, a number of other players would lead the NHA in plus-minus, including Eddie Oatman, Marty Walsh, Cy Denneny, Odie Cleghorn, and Bert Corbeau.
Today, plus-minus remains an important statistic in hockey, and it is used by coaches, analysts, and fans to evaluate a player’s overall performance on the ice.
Changes in Scoring and Its Impact on Plus-Minus
As hockey evolved, so did the way the game was played and goals were scored. The 1980s, in particular, saw a significant increase in scoring due to rule changes and the emergence of offensive-minded players. This change had a direct impact on the plus-minus statistic.
With more goals being scored, players who were on the ice for a higher percentage of their team’s goals were more likely to have a higher plus-minus rating, regardless of their defensive abilities. This led to an increased emphasis on offensive production and a decreased emphasis on defensive play.
Additionally, the introduction of the power play and penalty kill further impacted the plus-minus statistic. Players who were on the ice during a power play were more likely to have a higher plus-minus rating, while players on the penalty kill were more likely to have a lower rating. This further skewed the importance of the statistic and its correlation to defensive abilities.
Today, with the current state of the game, there is a greater emphasis on advanced statistics that provide a more nuanced view of a player’s performance. While plus-minus is still used as a measure of a player’s defensive abilities, it is not the sole metric used by coaches and analysts to evaluate a player’s overall impact on the ice.
Notable Players with High Career Plus-Minus Ratings
While Plus-Minus can often be a team statistic, there are some players who stand out for their exceptional career ratings. One such player is Larry Robinson, who retired with a career Plus-Minus rating of +730. Robinson played 20 seasons in the NHL, mostly with the Montreal Canadiens, and won six Stanley Cups. Another player with an impressive Plus-Minus rating is Bobby Orr, who finished his career with a +597 rating despite playing only 657 games due to injury. Orr won two Stanley Cups with the Boston Bruins and revolutionized the game as a defenseman who could also score at an unprecedented rate.
Doug Harvey is another defenseman with a high Plus-Minus rating, finishing his career with a +46Harvey won seven Norris Trophies as the NHL’s best defenseman and played for both the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers. Serge Savard, another Canadiens defenseman, finished his career with a +403 rating, helping the team win eight Stanley Cups during his tenure. Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest player in NHL history, finished with a +520 rating despite not being known for his defensive abilities.
Finally, Scott Stevens also deserves mention for his high Plus-Minus rating of +39Stevens played for the Washington Capitals, St. Louis Blues, and New Jersey Devils during his career, winning three Stanley Cups with the Devils. Known for his physical play, Stevens was also a skilled defenseman who could contribute offensively.
Common Misconceptions About Plus-Minus in Hockey
When it comes to hockey statistics, plus-minus is often misunderstood by fans and analysts alike. One common misconception is that a player with a high plus-minus rating is necessarily a good defensive player. However, this is not always the case.
Another common misconception is that a player with a low plus-minus rating is a poor player. However, this is not necessarily true either. Plus-minus is influenced by many factors beyond a player’s control, such as the quality of their teammates and opponents, and the amount of time spent on special teams.
Some fans also believe that plus-minus is an outdated statistic, and that more advanced analytics like Corsi and Fenwick are more reliable indicators of a player’s performance. While it’s true that Corsi and Fenwick provide a more complete picture of a player’s impact on the game, plus-minus can still be a valuable tool for evaluating defensive play.
Another common misconception is that plus-minus is a fair way to compare players from different eras. However, this is not always the case due to changes in the game over time, including rule changes and advances in equipment technology.
Finally, some fans believe that plus-minus is only useful for evaluating forwards, but this is not true. Plus-minus can also be a valuable tool for evaluating the defensive play of defensemen and goaltenders.
Plus-Minus is not an Individual Statistic
Team performance affects Plus-Minus: Plus-Minus reflects not only an individual’s performance but also the performance of their teammates. A player who spends a lot of time on the ice with top-performing teammates is more likely to have a high Plus-Minus score.
Opponents matter: Plus-Minus also depends on the quality of the opposition. If a player faces weaker opponents, they are more likely to have a higher Plus-Minus score than if they played against stronger opponents.
Special teams play matters: Plus-Minus can be affected by special teams play, such as power play or penalty kill. If a player spends a lot of time on the penalty kill, they may have a lower Plus-Minus score.
Score effects: Plus-Minus can also be affected by the score of the game. If a team is leading by a large margin, they may play defensively, which can lead to fewer goals against and a higher Plus-Minus score for individual players.
Cannot be used to compare players from different teams: Plus-Minus cannot be used to compare players from different teams because it is influenced by team performance and the quality of the opposition.
How to Interpret Plus-Minus Statistics
Understanding the context: Plus-minus statistics need to be considered in context. A player with a high plus-minus rating might be benefiting from a strong team around them, while a player with a low rating might be struggling because of a weak team.
Comparing players: When comparing players, it is important to consider the number of games played and the quality of the opponents they faced. A player who played more games against weaker opponents will have an advantage in plus-minus statistics.
Use with other statistics: Plus-minus should not be used in isolation to evaluate a player’s performance. It should be used in conjunction with other statistics like goals, assists, and ice time to get a more comprehensive view of their overall impact on the game.
Looking at Context and Situational Factors
Context matters when interpreting plus-minus statistics in hockey. A player with a high plus-minus may not necessarily be the best player on the ice, and conversely, a player with a low plus-minus may not be the worst. Plus-minus is just one statistic among many that are used to evaluate a player’s performance.
Situational factors can also influence plus-minus statistics. For example, a player who is frequently used in penalty-killing situations may have a lower plus-minus due to the increased likelihood of giving up goals while shorthanded. Similarly, a player who is regularly on the ice during power-play situations may have a higher plus-minus due to the increased likelihood of scoring goals.
Advanced statistics can provide a more nuanced understanding of a player’s performance. Metrics like Corsi and Fenwick take into account shot attempts and shot differentials, providing a more complete picture of a player’s impact on the game. While plus-minus remains a useful statistic, it should not be used in isolation to evaluate a player’s performance.
Comparing Plus-Minus Ratings Amongst Players
It’s important to note that when comparing plus-minus ratings amongst players, you need to take into account factors like their role on the team, ice time, and the team’s overall performance. A player who primarily plays in a defensive role may have a lower plus-minus rating compared to a player who plays in an offensive role.
Additionally, comparing plus-minus ratings between players on different teams can be difficult because of the variability in team performance. A player on a highly successful team may have a higher plus-minus rating simply due to their team’s overall success, rather than their individual performance.
One way to compare plus-minus ratings more accurately is to look at “relative plus-minus,” which compares a player’s plus-minus rating to the team’s overall plus-minus when the player is not on the ice. This helps to account for differences in team performance and gives a better indication of a player’s impact on their team’s success.
The Pros and Cons of Plus-Minus as a Statistic
Pro: Easy to Understand
Plus-minus is a straightforward statistic that is easy for fans, coaches, and players to understand. It simply measures the number of goals a player is on the ice for when their team is scoring versus the number of goals their opponents score when they are on the ice.Con: Lacks Context
While plus-minus can give an indication of a player’s overall impact on the game, it does not take into account other factors that can affect a player’s performance, such as the quality of their teammates and opponents, or their role on the team.Pro: Reflects Defensive Contributions
Plus-minus is a useful statistic for evaluating a player’s defensive contributions. Players who are consistently on the ice for fewer goals against are likely contributing to their team’s success in preventing goals.Con: Does Not Account for Individual Performance
While plus-minus can indicate a player’s overall contribution to their team, it does not provide insight into their individual performance. A player who is on the ice for a lot of goals for and against may have a high plus-minus, but that does not necessarily mean they are playing well individually.Advantages of Using Plus-Minus
Simple and Easy to Understand: Plus-minus is a straightforward statistic that can be easily calculated and understood by both casual and dedicated hockey fans alike. It doesn’t require any complex mathematical formulas or advanced statistical analysis.
Reflects Player’s Overall Impact: Plus-minus provides a broad picture of a player’s overall impact on the game, taking into account both their offensive and defensive contributions. It can be a useful tool for coaches and scouts when evaluating players.
Can Help Identify Key Role Players: Plus-minus can be particularly valuable when looking at the performance of players who may not score a lot of points but have a significant impact on the team’s success. For example, defensive specialists or penalty killers who consistently have high plus-minus ratings can be identified as key role players.
Limitations of Plus-Minus as a Statistic
Dependence on Teammates: Plus-minus is heavily influenced by the performance of a player’s teammates. For example, a player may have a negative plus-minus rating simply because they are playing on a weak team that allows a lot of goals, even if the player themselves is performing well.
Lack of Context: Plus-minus does not provide any context for the goals scored or allowed. A player may have a positive plus-minus rating simply because they were on the ice for a lot of empty-net goals, which are scored late in games when the opposing team has pulled their goalie and the outcome of the game is already decided.
Small Sample Size: Plus-minus can be influenced by small sample sizes, particularly for players who have limited ice time. A player who only plays a few shifts in a game could see their plus-minus rating swing dramatically based on whether they happen to be on the ice for a goal or not.
Alternative Metrics to Evaluate Player Performance
While plus-minus is a commonly used statistic in hockey, it is not the only metric available to evaluate player performance. Some alternative metrics that teams and analysts use to assess players include:
- Corsi: This metric tracks shot attempts (shots on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots) to gauge puck possession and territorial advantage.
- Fenwick: Similar to Corsi, Fenwick only includes shots on goal and missed shots, excluding blocked shots.
- Expected Goals (xG): xG is a statistical model that estimates the probability of a shot resulting in a goal based on factors such as shot location, shot type, and the game situation.
- Wins Above Replacement (WAR): This metric attempts to capture a player’s overall value by comparing their performance to that of a replacement-level player. It incorporates a variety of statistics, including offense, defense, and special teams.
- Goals Above Replacement (GAR): GAR is similar to WAR, but only includes a player’s offensive contributions (goals and assists).
- Player Impact Rating (PIR): PIR attempts to measure a player’s overall impact on the game, incorporating offensive and defensive statistics as well as situational factors such as score and time on ice.
While these metrics each have their own strengths and weaknesses, they provide additional insight into player performance beyond just plus-minus. By using multiple metrics in combination, teams and analysts can gain a more complete understanding of a player’s contributions to their team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Plus-Minus Statistic in Hockey?
The plus-minus statistic is used in hockey to measure a player’s impact on their team’s goal differential when they are on the ice. When a player is on the ice when their team scores an even-strength or shorthanded goal, they receive a plus-one, and if the opposing team scores an even-strength or shorthanded goal, the player receives a minus-one. The plus-minus rating is calculated by subtracting the number of goals a player was on the ice for while their team was scored against from the number of goals they were on the ice for when their team scored.
How is Plus-Minus Statistic Calculated in Hockey?
The plus-minus rating is calculated by subtracting the number of goals a player was on the ice for while their team was scored against from the number of goals they were on the ice for when their team scored. For example, if a player is on the ice for 20 even-strength or shorthanded goals scored by their team and is on the ice for 15 goals scored by their opponents, their plus-minus rating would be +5.
What are the Limitations of Plus-Minus in Hockey?
While the plus-minus statistic can provide insight into a player’s impact on their team’s goal differential, it does have some limitations. The rating does not account for the quality of a player’s opponents or teammates, nor does it account for the amount of ice time a player receives. Additionally, players on weaker teams may have lower plus-minus ratings due to their team’s overall performance, rather than their own individual performance.
How is Plus-Minus Used in Evaluating Players in Hockey?
The plus-minus statistic is one of several metrics used by coaches, scouts, and analysts to evaluate players in hockey. While it is not the sole indicator of a player’s value, a high plus-minus rating can be an indication of a player’s defensive abilities and overall impact on their team. However, it is important to consider the context in which the rating was achieved, such as the player’s position, the strength of their team, and the number of games played.
What Other Statistics are Used in Hockey to Evaluate Players?
Along with the plus-minus statistic, there are several other metrics used to evaluate players in hockey, including goals, assists, points, shooting percentage, time on ice, and faceoff percentage. Coaches, scouts, and analysts often use a combination of these metrics, along with subjective evaluations of a player’s skills, to assess their overall value to their team.