Hockey Statistics Glossary: Key Terms Explained

For fans of the Edmonton Oilers and the NHL, following the sport goes beyond the excitement of the game itself. A deep understanding of the statistics and terminology used in broadcasts, articles, and analysis enriches the viewing experience, providing greater insight into team performance, individual brilliance, and strategic nuances. This glossary serves as a definitive guide to the key statistical terms and hockey jargon essential for any fan looking to deepen their knowledge of the game.

Plus/Minus (+/-)

A traditional, though sometimes debated, statistic that measures a player's goal differential at even strength or shorthanded. A player receives a plus (+1) when they are on the ice for an even-strength or shorthanded goal scored by their team, and a minus (-1) when they are on the ice for one scored by the opponent. It provides a general snapshot of a player's two-way impact during non-Power Play situations.

Points (P)

The sum of a player's goals and assists. It is the primary metric for evaluating offensive production. For a player like Connor McDavid, leading the league in points often results in winning the Art Ross Trophy, signifying them as the NHL's scoring champion for that season.

Goals (G)

The number of times a player directly shoots the puck into the opponent's net. It is the most straightforward offensive statistic. Players like Leon Draisaitl are renowned for their elite goal-scoring ability, which is a critical component of the Oilers' offensive attack.

Assists (A)

A credit awarded to up to two players who directly contributed to a goal being scored, without taking the final shot. There are two types: primary assists (the last pass) and secondary assists. Playmakers like Connor McDavid often accumulate a high number of assists, showcasing their vision and passing skill.

Power Play (PP)

A situation where one team has a numerical advantage on the ice due to an opponent's penalty. The penalized team must have one fewer player for a designated time, typically two minutes. The Edmonton Oilers' Power Play efficiency is a key driver of their success, often ranking among the league's best.

Penalty Kill (PK)

The defensive strategy employed by a team that is shorthanded due to a penalty. The primary objective is to prevent the opposing Power Play from scoring. A strong Penalty Kill, often reliant on goaltenders like Stuart Skinner and key defensive forwards, is crucial for winning tight games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Save Percentage (SV%)

A goaltending statistic calculated by dividing the number of saves by the total number of shots on goal faced. It is expressed as a decimal to three places (e.g., .915). This is considered a core metric for evaluating a goalie's efficiency and consistency.

Goals Against Average (GAA)

The average number of goals a goaltender allows per 60 minutes of play. It is calculated by dividing the total goals allowed by the total minutes played, then multiplied by 60. While useful, GAA is heavily influenced by the defensive performance of the entire team in front of the goalie.

Corsi (CF%)

An advanced statistic that measures shot attempt differential (shots on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots) while a player is on the ice at even strength. Expressed as a percentage, a CF% above 50% indicates a team is controlling the majority of shot attempts, which correlates with puck possession and territorial advantage.

Fenwick (FF%)

Similar to Corsi, but excludes blocked shots, measuring only shots on goal and missed shots. Fenwick For percentage (FF%) is often considered a "truer" measure of possession and scoring chance generation, as it filters out the variable of shot-blocking.

Expected Goals (xG)

An advanced metric that assigns a probability value to every unblocked shot attempt based on historical data of similar shots (location, shot type, rebound, etc.). It estimates the number of goals a team or player "should have" scored given the quality of their chances, separate from actual goals.

Time on Ice (TOI)

The total amount of time a player spends on the ice during a game. It is often broken down into even-strength time (EV TOI), Power Play time (PP TOI), and shorthanded time (SH TOI). Top players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl typically log high TOI, indicating their importance to the head coach.

Faceoff Win Percentage (FO%)

The percentage of faceoffs a player wins relative to the total faceoffs they take. Winning faceoffs is critical for maintaining possession, especially on special teams and in key defensive-zone situations. Centers are primarily evaluated on this metric.

Hits (H)

A subjective statistic recording the number of legal, physical checks a player delivers to an opponent. The official count can vary between arenas. It is often used to gauge a team's physical engagement and forechecking pressure.

Blocked Shots (BLK)

The number of times a player prevents an opponent's shot attempt from reaching the net by positioning their body or stick in its path. A high number of blocked shots is indicative of a player's defensive commitment and sacrifice, crucial during the postseason.

Takeaways (TKA)

A statistic that credits a player for legally gaining possession of the puck from an opposing player through a steal, stick check, or interception. A high takeaway count, often seen with elite players like Connor McDavid, demonstrates exceptional defensive awareness and puck-stripping ability.

Giveaways (GVA)

The opposite of a takeaway; it records when a player loses possession to the opposing team through an error, bad pass, or mishandling, without a shot being taken. Minimizing giveaways is essential for maintaining puck control and limiting opponent transitions.

Shooting Percentage (SH%)

The percentage of a player's shots on goal that result in a goal. It is calculated by dividing goals by shots on goal. While a high percentage indicates finishing skill, it can fluctuate significantly over time and is often unsustainable at extremely high rates.

Points Percentage (PTS%)

A team statistic calculated by dividing the total number of points earned (with wins and overtime losses) by the maximum points possible (games played multiplied by 2). It is the standard metric for comparing team standings and playoff positioning within the NHL, especially within the competitive Western Conference.

Even-Strength Goal Differential

The difference between goals scored and goals allowed during five-on-five play, excluding special teams. This is a fundamental indicator of a team's overall strength and balance, as the majority of a game is played at even strength.

High-Danger Scoring Chances (HDCF)

A tracked metric for shot attempts taken from the area on the ice closest to the net (the slot and the crease). Generating a high rate of HDCF is a strong predictor of offensive success, while limiting them is a hallmark of strong defensive structure and goaltending.

On-Ice Save Percentage (On-Ice SV%)

The save percentage of a team's goaltender(s) while a specific skater is on the ice at even strength. This metric can help evaluate a skater's defensive impact by indicating the quality of chances they allow, though it is heavily influenced by goaltender performance.

Primary Points

The sum of a player's goals and primary (first) assists. This metric focuses on direct involvement in goal creation, filtering out secondary assists. It can be useful for identifying the most direct offensive contributors on a roster.

Slot Shots

Shots on goal taken from the high-danger area directly in front of the net, between the faceoff dots. Offensive strategies often focus on generating slot shots, while defenses work to deny access to this prime scoring area.

Understanding these terms provides a powerful lens through which to analyze every aspect of the game, from the individual dominance of stars like Connor McDavid to the strategic decisions made by Kris Knoblauch behind the bench. By moving beyond basic stats, fans can better appreciate the complexities that define team performance, the critical role of a goaltender like Stuart Skinner, and the myriad factors that contribute to a successful Stanley Cup run. For a deeper dive into how these metrics apply specifically to the team, explore our comprehensive Oilers team performance breakdown.