Breaking down NHL Edge data: How important is shot speed and location?

A few weeks ago, the NHL finally unveiled its long-anticipated player tracking data for public consumption. Now, it’s time to dissect its implications. Sometimes, it’s just a fun tidbit that’s worth celebrating. But it’s still important to figure out the significance of the new numbers—whether they fall into the category of relevant info or interesting trivia. Each new statistic raises thought-provoking questions. That’s the essence of this series—to plunge into the new data and evaluate its significance.
Let’s start with shooting. Is shot speed repeatable? On the average, shot speed should probably be disregarded since it’s not repeatable. What we’re really interested in is the year-to-year consistency of this statistic, which gauges its reliability. While other buckets have some repeatability, shooting over 90 mph (and 100 mph) is rare, making it less likely for that skill to change teams. When examining the meaning of shot speed to offense, it appears that very hard shots are more repeatable but have less impact on scoring goals. Hard shots, on the other hand, have a stronger relationship with goals. As for shot location, it’s been discovered that the most shots and goals come from the net front and the slot. The area also has the most high-danger areas, making shots from there less reliable to finish consistently year over year.

In conclusion, the new player tracking data of the NHL provides a wealth of intriguing insights. There’s still so much to learn about these numbers, uncovering the hidden gems they hold for the league and its fans.

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Sarah Anderson

Sarah Anderson dives into the fast-paced world of NHL hockey. Her coverage includes game analysis, player spotlights, and the latest news from the ice. Sarah’s dedication to the sport ensures that hockey enthusiasts stay informed about the NHL’s thrilling action.