The plus-minus system is a statistical rating used in ice hockey to assess players' overall performances. While players are credited with scoring points when they score goals or are credited with one of the two assists that can be awarded on any goal, the plus-minus system takes note of all players on the ice when goals are scored.
Plus-Minus System
When an even-strength goal is scored, all players from the scoring team who are on the ice at the time the puck went into the net get credited with a "plus-1." All players on the ice for the opposing team are charged with a "negative-1." This statistic is tracked throughout the year. A positive plus-minus figure indicates that a player is having a positive impact for his team while a negative plus-minus figure indicates that the opponent has an advantage when that player is on the ice.
Power Play Goals
When a team is playing with a one- or two-man advantage as a result of a power play and the team with the numerical advantage scores a goal, no plus-minus points are awarded. The presumption is that the team with the advantage should be able to create scoring opportunities and put the puck in the net. If the team is short-handed and it gives up a goal, players are not charged with a minus-one.
Short-Handed Goals
When a team is short-handed and scores a goal, the players on the ice for the short-handed team are credited with a plus-one. The players on the ice for the team with the manpower advantage are charged with a minus one when the opponent scores a short-handed goal.
Great Plus-Minus Seasons
Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Bobby Orr often is regarded as one of the game's greatest players. During the 1970-71 season with the Boston Bruins, Orr recorded a plus-124 rating. That's the top figure in the history of the NHL. Orr has three of the top nine plus-minus seasons in league history. Former Montreal defenseman Larry Robinson recorded a plus-120 rating during the 1976-77 season. Wayne Gretzky, the league's all-time leading scorer, was plus-98 during the 1984-85 season.
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