John H writes:
>Mike M writes...
>>Rita-Ann Monde writes:
>>>When teams are at even strength, if team "A" scores, then the skaters from
>>>team A on the ice at the time of the goal gets a "+" and the players from
>>>team "B" get a minus.  In the NHL, if Team "A" scores while shorthanded,
>>>then the team A players get plus, and team B skaters get a minus.
>>
>>To relate this to the earlier discussion about uniformity of
>>statistics, not everyone follows this method either.  Some schools
>>count ONLY even strength goals in their +/-.  Some schools keep +/-
>>for goalies, too.  I prefer the method outlined by Rita-Ann, myself.
>
>Agreed, on all counts.  While the CCHA does not record +/- for goaltenders,
>the club teams in this area do.
 
I've never heard of recording +/- for goaltenders. Unless his name is Hextall,
a goalie is not likely to have any part of a goal scored, and I would
certainly not say goalie A is better than goalie B because A is on the ice for
more of team A's goals.
 
>And, even if everyone agrees to the above method, there is always the debate
>of how to handle special situations...
>
>  1. What if it's a delayed penalty and the offense has six skaters on the
>ice?  Do you award 6 +'s and 5 -'s?
>
>  2. What about empty net situations?  Again, it's not a power play.  Do you
>go 6 and 5, or 5 and 6, as the case may be?
 
Yes and yes. The +'s and -'s awarded on a goal need not be equal. This is
especially true if you count +/- on SHG, which I do, and I think is the
standard practice in Canada.
 
>  Finally, personal observations/opinions about +/-.  It is a difficult
>statistic to interpret.  It is very team specific...the best defensive
>player on a weak team may be minus a jillion while the worst defensive
>player on a good team may have a large positive value.  Often, top defensive
>players on a championship caliber team have low ratings because they are
>always on the ice with the opposition's top offensive unit.  They've done
>their "job" simply staying even with the opponent.  For a good example, look
>at Ron Francis' numbers during his time with the Penguins.  Wayne Gretzky
>was +90 something on one of the dominant Oiler teams, and it wasn't due to
>his tight defensive play.  On the other hand, David Harlock was +48 in 38
>games for Michigan last season although he only registered 12 points (and 44
>in 163 career games).  The point?  It's a difficult statistic to interpret.
 
It's not as easy to grasp as goals and assists. You're right that it is team-
specific. I tend to look at it as a defensive stat. Of course it doesn't
matter how I look at it, it's how the coaches look at it that matters. :-)
I just collect, I don't interpret. It's easier that way. :-)
 
John Edwards,
 
Stats Geek
Ottawa Senators Jr. A. Hockey Club
 
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John C.K. Edwards       ONLY _10_ DAYS UNTIL I GO HOME!!!! :-) :-) (Dec.19)
Poli Sci/Law III      GO CATS GO!!! (9-21)     TOUCHDOWN SEAHAWKS!!!!! (5-7)
CUSA Arts/SS Rep    [log in to unmask]    [log in to unmask]
Ottawa, ON        Unfortunately, my opinions aren't those of CUSA or Carleton