What Does Minus 2 In Hockey Mean?

Like many sports, hockey has unique statistical measuring tools to determine how well each individual player is performing in game situations. Players who score goals or make passes that set up goals are credited with points for these key scoring plays. The plus-minus system takes into account which players are on the ice when their teams score goals and when the opponent scores.

Plus-Minus System

If a player is on the ice in an even-strength situation and his team scores a goal, he is credited with a plus-1. If he is on the ice in an even-strength situation and the opponent scores a goal, he is charged with a minus-1. If a player is on the ice for two more even-strength goals by the opponent than he is for goals by his team, he is at minus-2 for the game.

Negative Plus-Minus

When a player has a negative plus-minus rating for a particular game, it often means that there have been some defensive lapses by his team. Mistakes often lead to scoring opportunities. If you have a negative plus-minus, it also usually leads to a loss in a particular game.

Power Play Scoring

When a power play goal is scored, the plus-minus system is not used. When a team has a numerical advantage on the ice, there is an expectation that the team will score. If a power play goal is scored, a player is not credited with a plus-1. If a player is on the ice in a short-handed situation and a goal is scored by the opponent, a player is not charged with a minus-1. However, if the short-handed team scores a goal, those players on the ice are credited with a plus-one and those that are on the ice for the team with the man advantage are charged with a minus-one.

Best Plus-Minus Players

The plus-minus rating system is a highly rated statistical tool for analyzing players' strengths and weaknesses. Boston Bruins legendary defenseman Bobby Orr had the greatest plus-minus season in National Hockey League history when he finished with a plus-124 in the 1970-71 season. Montreal defenseman Larry Robinson was nearly as good in 1976-77, finishing the year with a plus-120 rating. Wayne Gretzky is the greatest scorer in hockey history, and his best plus-minus season was plus-98 in 1984-85.