Hockey players are often judged by their statistical accomplishments on the ice. Traditional statistics such as goals scored and assists have their place and provide a solid measurement of a player's offensive productivity. But the plus-minus statistic might be a better all-around statistic because it also takes defensive ability into the equation.
Plus-Minus Statistic
The plus-minus statistic measures a player's overall contribution by comparing the number of goals his team scores when he is on the ice and compares it with the number of goals scored against when he is on the ice. Power-play goals for and short-handed goals against are not taken into the equation, but short-handed goals are. When a player is on the ice for more goals scored than he is for more goals against, he is making a positive contribution to his team. If he is on the ice for more goals against, then his contribution is negative.
Goals and Assists
A player who scores a goal when his team is not on the power play gets a plus-1 for his contribution. So does the player who made the pass that set up a goal. But a defenseman who is on the ice and did not touch the puck also gets a plus-1 because he was on the ice when the goal was scored by his team. Conversely, player who is on the ice when a non-power-play goal is scored gets a minus-1. That player may have made a valiant effort to block a shot or steal the puck, but he still gets charged with a minus-1.
Short-Handed Goals
When players are out on the ice during a penalty kill, they are not expected to score goals. This is a defensive situation and the the main thrust is to keep the puck out of the net. However, a player may block a shot or intercept a pass and get a scoring opportunity. If the player scores while short-handed, all players on the ice for his team get a plus-1 and the players who were on the ice attempting to score a power-play goal get charged with a minus-1.
Best Plus-Minus Seasons
Hall of Famer Bobby Orr had the best season in NHL history from a plus-minus perspective during the 1970-71 season when he was plus-124 for the Boston Bruins. He scored 37 goals and had 102 assists that season. Larry Robinson of the Montreal Canadiens nearly equaled Orr's mark when he was plus-120 in 1976-77. Wayne Gretzky was plus-98 in 1984-85 for the Edmonton Oilers.
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