By Jack Johnson - King of Hockey
Another October has come and gone in the NHL. Every year, October either creates hype or sends players to their minor league affiliates. Let's take a look at the worst performance and the best performance of October
FULL ARTICLE at: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5965284/nhl_best_and_worst_of_october.html?cat=14
NHL
NHL
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Monday, November 01, 2010
NHL: Power Play Analysis
By Jack Johnson - King of Hockey
Ever since the NHL decided to crack down on minor penalties in order to focus on skill rather than grit, the Power Play has become a game changer - and on most nights, teams' fates are decided by it.
Now, some purists would say that a hockey game should be decided by both teams' 5 on 5 play, but that would be unrealistic in today's game. The speed at which the game is played (and now with no red line) means that its very tempting to slow down an opponent with a little holding or hooking. Ultimately, that's what makes the difference between two teams...do you need to grab and hold to be able to keep up? Is your stick a little too active? If so, then you are the weaker team and you should be penalized for doing so, thereby providing the stronger team with a better opportunity to score.
Purely from a fan's perspective, the power-play is where its at. Its where the majority of goals get scored and it provides momentum switches whether you score or whether the other team "kills" it.
Let's take a look at league leaders on the PP:
At the top of the list are the San Jose Sharks who have converted on almost 32% of their Power Plays. Just under half of their 29 goals came from the Power Play. Actually, when you think about it, you wonder where the Sharks would be without it.
Next up are the Minnesota Wild who have scored on 31% of their chances on the PP. Minnesota is in the same boat as the Sharks as 50% of their 26 goals on the year have come from the PP. (Can Sharks be in boats?)
In third place are the Chicago Blackhawks who have converted 25% of their PP attempts. Where the Blackhawks are different is that only 29% of their league-leading 39 goals came on the PP.
So who leads the NHL in power play points? Other than James Wisniewski's 10 points, there are no surprises here: Heatley, Cullen, Thornton are #2, 3, and 4 respectively and Sharp is not far behind.
What is somewhat surprising is where these teams are in the standings. Both the Sharks and the Wild are out of the playoff picture and the Blackhawks, who are scoring 5 on 5, are in 2nd place in the West.
Bottom line: Power play goals are essential, but not enough. And we all know that some officials' whistles disappear in the playoffs.
Power Play sleeper: Dustin Byfuglien: 7 points in 11 games
Ever since the NHL decided to crack down on minor penalties in order to focus on skill rather than grit, the Power Play has become a game changer - and on most nights, teams' fates are decided by it.
Now, some purists would say that a hockey game should be decided by both teams' 5 on 5 play, but that would be unrealistic in today's game. The speed at which the game is played (and now with no red line) means that its very tempting to slow down an opponent with a little holding or hooking. Ultimately, that's what makes the difference between two teams...do you need to grab and hold to be able to keep up? Is your stick a little too active? If so, then you are the weaker team and you should be penalized for doing so, thereby providing the stronger team with a better opportunity to score.
Purely from a fan's perspective, the power-play is where its at. Its where the majority of goals get scored and it provides momentum switches whether you score or whether the other team "kills" it.
Let's take a look at league leaders on the PP:
At the top of the list are the San Jose Sharks who have converted on almost 32% of their Power Plays. Just under half of their 29 goals came from the Power Play. Actually, when you think about it, you wonder where the Sharks would be without it.
Next up are the Minnesota Wild who have scored on 31% of their chances on the PP. Minnesota is in the same boat as the Sharks as 50% of their 26 goals on the year have come from the PP. (Can Sharks be in boats?)
In third place are the Chicago Blackhawks who have converted 25% of their PP attempts. Where the Blackhawks are different is that only 29% of their league-leading 39 goals came on the PP.
So who leads the NHL in power play points? Other than James Wisniewski's 10 points, there are no surprises here: Heatley, Cullen, Thornton are #2, 3, and 4 respectively and Sharp is not far behind.
What is somewhat surprising is where these teams are in the standings. Both the Sharks and the Wild are out of the playoff picture and the Blackhawks, who are scoring 5 on 5, are in 2nd place in the West.
Bottom line: Power play goals are essential, but not enough. And we all know that some officials' whistles disappear in the playoffs.
Power Play sleeper: Dustin Byfuglien: 7 points in 11 games
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