From Tough to Smart: Evolution and Analytics

The game of hockey is in a constant state of change. The ice was once filled with intimidating figures tasked with checking the opponent into submission. The Hanson brothers of the cult classic film Slapshot would get excited about this notion of old time hockey, and would emulate their hero, Gordie Howe, by thrusting their elbows into the air; a sight that would spark fear into opponents.

Today, hockey fans recognize this image as a relic. The evolution of technology has allowed for more advanced statistics to be analyzed and old time hockey is just that; old time hockey. The most effective brand of hockey involves speed and puck possession instead of grit, and analytic research has proven it. The game is faster and more skilled, and fans are taking notice of the factors that have allowed this evolution to happen.

Patrick Tallon, a Montreal Canadiens fan and blogger for All About the Habs, has watched hockey for a decade and has noticed a distinct change in what makes teams successful. Tallon, 17, responding to Twitter messages, outlined the evolution of the NHL when he said “Decades ago it was the big bad [Boston] Bruins or just any team with "size and grit" that could easily fight their way to a cup. But we've seen the game change over the last few years.” Today, Tallon sees a much different game, and the most recent Stanley Cup Final between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the San Jose Sharks was indicative of this trend. “A perfect example of that would be [Pittsburgh vs. San Jose]. Pittsburgh was small, lacked an NHL starter in net, and was a ‘weaker’ team with a competent, creative, dynamic coach who could properly use his players and we saw that team beat a team like San Jose which was built to be big” said Tallon. The Penguins depth at the forward position and roster-wide speed gave Pittsburgh an edge against a larger, grittier San Jose team.

The game has changed its look, according to Tallon, and analytics has entered into modern hockey analysis. “I think the game has changed over the years. Analytics have found their way into conversations and I think that's because of the systematic changes that newer, younger, more innovative and creative coaches bring to the table” Tallon posits.

Even with the statistical analysis keeping pace with the evolution of the game, Tallon has cause for apprehension in the area of application. “I think analytics, just like any other stat, has its flaws. And the biggest problem I see are "experts" judging a team or player on only one stat whether it be goals, CF% (Corsi for percentage), assists, plus minus etc.” Tallon warned.

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