Understanding Ice Hockey Statistics

Ice Hockey Stats (shortened for statistics) is a record of the performance of the team and the players. In other words, it shows the standing of the team one is interested at. Many find it hard to understand the statistics since reveals only numbers and abbreviations, the meanings of which are unknown to lay persons. Discussed below are abbreviations used in the records and what do they stand for.

A players statistics include the following abbreviations: G is for goal and A is for assist, which is the total number of scores and assists the player made respectively. PTS is the scoring points determined by adding his goals and assists. PIM stands for Penalties infraction minutes or penalties in minutes, which are the number of penalties called to the player. GP is the number of games the player has entered. TOI indicates the total time he spent playing on the rink. PPG and PPA show the number of goals and assists (respectively) done by the player while his team was on power play. SHG and SHA are for goals and assists accomplished during the time when they are shorthanded (lacking a player). +/- is a sign unique to the players stats and stands for goals scored for the team minus the goals scored against the time for the time the player was on the rink and the teams have the same number of players.

G, A and GP holds the same meaning when one is looking at a goaltenders stats. The number of games he has started is represented by GS. GA stands for goals against, which is the sum of goals against the goaltender and its average is denoted as GAA. W, L, T, and SO are used in the same manner the team stats use it (see below). SOG, or shots on the goal, is the number of goals dealt. SV, or saves, is the total number of shots deflected by the goaltender.

W stands for wins, L is for Losses. GP stands for the number of games played by the team. T is for ties, SOL for shootout losses (which are games lost in shootouts) and OTL is overtime losses. PTL is the abbreviation for points, which is determined by wins, losses, overtime losses, shootout losses and ties. PTS is the tool that matters most to the team since it dictates the current standing of the team. GF and GA are goals for and goals against respectively.

With all these letters flooding the sheets, an amateur can get a rough idea on the standing of a team by looking at the W, L, T, SOL, OTL and PTS. All the others only become useful in breaking ties.

Drew Mers is an advertising advisor to City Ice Pavilion, a rooftop ice skating rink in Long Island City, Queens, New York.