In the constant search for new Hockey metrics, this post will focus on a player's ability to minimize scoring-chances with solid possession plays. The first calculation is done by dividing the the total amount of scoring-chances a player was directly responsible with the total amount of possession plays he attempted. The result is then multiplied by 100, thereby providing us with a number that indicates how many scoring-chances a player is directly responsible for allowing for every 100 possession plays. The higher the number, the higher the player's possession deficiency (a bad thing).
A possession play is described as any play a player attempts while in possession of the puck.
The position a player plays, zone starts, and defensive-zone turnover-rates have a direct impact on a player's possession deficiency. Defensemen will have higher number, as they are generally directly responsible for more scoring-chances against than forwards.
Only even-strength events that occured during the 2013-14 regular season, adn 2014 playoffs were included in these calculations. A list of all the events I track can be found here.
SCORING-CHANCES AGAINST PER-POSSESSION PLAY
(lower is better)
Among defensemen, Jarred Tinordi was directly responsible for the most scoring-chances against per-100 possession plays; followed closely by Douglas Murray. PK Subban was responsible for the fewest scoring-chances against per-100 possession plays; followed closely by Buffalo Sabres defenseman Josh Gorges.
Among centres, Ryan White was responsible for the most scoring-chances against per-100 possession plays, while Tomas Plekanec was responsible for the fewest. Among wingers, George Parros allowed the most scoring-chances against per-possession-play, while Pacioretty was responsible for the fewest.
GOALS AGAINST WHILE ON THE ICE PER-POSSESSION PLAY
(lower is better)
This second calculation is identical to the first, except in the fact that it uses goals-against while a player is on the ice, rather than scoring-chances.
Using this standard, Francis Bouillon and Douglas Murray actually had the highest possession deficiency (a bad thing) among Habs defensemen, while White and Alex Galchenyuk have the highest possession deficiency among forwards not named Parros.
Nathan Beaulieu (SSS) and Dale Weise had the lowest possession deficiency (a good thing) among d-men and forwards, respectively.
DEFENSIVE-ZONE TURNOVER-RATE
Especially among defensemen, we see a solid correlation between defensive-zone turnover-rates, and possession deficiency.
