On Tue, 15 Nov 1994, Chuck Sackett wrote: > As I'm sure Charlie will point out, his rankings of teams by points per game > shows how many points per game a team is averaging as far as wins and > losses. . . . .not goals for or goals against. ah yes, Charlie pointed this out... I read his original post too quickly... > For instance, a team that has > played four games and is 2-1-1 will have 5 points in the league standings. > Averaging that out over 4 games gives the team a per game average of 1.25 > points per game. I think that it's a very effective way of comparing teams > that have not played an equal amount of games. Minnesota is at the top of > the WCHA with 13 points and Colorado College is in third with 10 points. > But, CC has played two fewer games. This way, we can compare their progress > more easily. > well, ok - but how valid is that stat given games against uncomparable competition? I mean, if you have one team that is 3-0 (against 'easy' opponents) and another who is 3-3 (but against much stiffer competition), then who is stronger? I grant you that it gives a number to point at, but I question the validity of the conclusions you can draw from it... -art