Blackhawks Defy Analytics with Efficiency and Goalie Spencer Knight's Dominance
For the Chicago Blackhawks to continue defying analytics models, they'll need to maintain their efficient scoring and goaltending. Despite being one of the lowest-possessing teams in the NHL, the Blackhawks have found ways to outscore opponents 59-57 in five-on-five play.
Their efficiency is attributed to goalie Spencer Knight's impressive .919 save percentage, which ranks fourth in the league. Knight's talent, age, and pedigree suggest he can permanently cement himself as one of the league's top goalies. His ability to shut down opponents' scoring chances has been a game-changer for the Blackhawks.
Another factor contributing to their success is forward Connor Bedard's exceptional shooting percentage. With 18.8% this season, Bedard far outpaces the league average for forwards at 12.8%. Additionally, Tyler Bertuzzi and Andre Burakovsky bring historical efficiency to the table, with shooting percentages of 15.0% and 13.5%, respectively.
The Blackhawks' system plays a crucial role in their efficiency. Coach Jeff Blashill's strategy focuses on minimizing blocked shots and giving his goalies clean sight lanes. This approach has allowed Knight and the team's finishers to capitalize on scoring opportunities against inferior opposing goaltenders.
While some regression is inevitable, the Blackhawks have established an identity that analytics models don't fully appreciate. The team's ability to outscore opponents despite low possession rates suggests they're doing something right. As Blashill pointed out, public models often overvalue shot attempts and underestimate the value of scoring chances.
The Blackhawks' internally calculated analytics suggest they're performing better than their public counterparts. By having a stricter definition of scoring chances, they've been able to accurately assess their performance in games. This strict approach may be the key to continued success for the Blackhawks as they defy analytics models once again.
For the Chicago Blackhawks to continue defying analytics models, they'll need to maintain their efficient scoring and goaltending. Despite being one of the lowest-possessing teams in the NHL, the Blackhawks have found ways to outscore opponents 59-57 in five-on-five play.
Their efficiency is attributed to goalie Spencer Knight's impressive .919 save percentage, which ranks fourth in the league. Knight's talent, age, and pedigree suggest he can permanently cement himself as one of the league's top goalies. His ability to shut down opponents' scoring chances has been a game-changer for the Blackhawks.
Another factor contributing to their success is forward Connor Bedard's exceptional shooting percentage. With 18.8% this season, Bedard far outpaces the league average for forwards at 12.8%. Additionally, Tyler Bertuzzi and Andre Burakovsky bring historical efficiency to the table, with shooting percentages of 15.0% and 13.5%, respectively.
The Blackhawks' system plays a crucial role in their efficiency. Coach Jeff Blashill's strategy focuses on minimizing blocked shots and giving his goalies clean sight lanes. This approach has allowed Knight and the team's finishers to capitalize on scoring opportunities against inferior opposing goaltenders.
While some regression is inevitable, the Blackhawks have established an identity that analytics models don't fully appreciate. The team's ability to outscore opponents despite low possession rates suggests they're doing something right. As Blashill pointed out, public models often overvalue shot attempts and underestimate the value of scoring chances.
The Blackhawks' internally calculated analytics suggest they're performing better than their public counterparts. By having a stricter definition of scoring chances, they've been able to accurately assess their performance in games. This strict approach may be the key to continued success for the Blackhawks as they defy analytics models once again.