Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Two Telling Stats
Anyways, when I was paying attention there were 2 stats that really stuck out to me that aside from coaching and personnel changes, that could help explain some of their difficulties so far this season.
First, Shots per Game. I know this is an averaged stat, but over a course of half a season, it still merits discussion. The Pens rank dead last, 27.3 shots per game. With 2 of the top players/makers in the game, how can they not be throwing more pucks at the net? Even the Devils rank in the top 10 in this category, so do the Maple Leafs. I think this has to do with a number of things. The Pens look for the pretty pass instead of going for the ugly goal. Look tonight on Malkin's tally, Cooke was battling in front. That kind of disruption and grit pays dividends, wasn't that Malones role? But really, how often do you see Crosby look for the extra pass on the PP? How often do they shoot without a body in front? Pull the trigger, look for the bounces, garbage goals count the same as backdoor open nets.
Second stat: Goals in the 3rd period. The Pens have scored 40 goals in the 3rd, middle of the road in the league. However, they've given up 48 (maybe 51 now, depending how soon the NHL updates its stats). Being outscored in the 3rd period of games is not conducive to victory. Now what can you attribute that to? I'm not necessarily sure, that may be coaching, preparedness, perhaps fatigue. I can't say for sure. But it's pretty apparent that something needs to change.
Now this isn't meant to be a condemnation of the Pens or anything like that, just pointing out some facts that stick out to me. I'm no Pens expert, but these seem pretty telling as to the struggles of the team.
[Another interesting stat, but one that means absolutely nothing, is that the Pens are currently just .500 when leading after the 1st period, 8-5-3. That is ranked 29th.]
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment