Guide To Hockey Statistics (2024)

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While not as numerous or complex as the statistics in baseball, hockey has its own set of commonly used arithmetic formulas that supposedly give useful insight into the overall on-ice performance of the players. How useful they are varies greatly and is subject to debate.

But in case you're not familiar with the game of hockey or the numbers it produces, continue reading below for a little help.

For further information on specific hockey terms (like what constitutes a minor penalty or the definition of "forechecking"), go here.

Pos
Position
Defines one of the six spots on the ice occupied by the particular player

GP
Games Played
A player is credited with a game played if he steps on the ice for any length of time or serves a penalty.

G
Goals
Awarded to players who last touched the puck on a goal by their team.

A
Assists
Awarded to the last two players who touch the puck before a teammate scores provided no defender plays or possesses the puck in between.

PTS
Points
Credited to a player who records either a goal or an assist.

+/-
Plus-Minus rating
A plus is given to a player who is on the ice when his team scores an even-strength or shorthanded goal, while a minus is given to players on the ice when opponents score in those situations. The difference is the plus-minus rating.

PIM
Penalties in minutes
The total time a player receives for minor, major or misconduct infractions.

SOG
Shots on goal
This refers to the number of times a player has directed the puck directly at the goal. Also refers to the number of shots on goal faced by a goaltender.

S%
Shooting percentage (goals divided by shots)
The number of goals scored as a percentage of shots taken.

GAA
Goals-against average
Refers to the number of goals allowed per 60 minutes played.

MINS
Minutes
The amount of time a goaltender is in net.

SVS
Saves
Refers to the number of shots on goal stopped by a goaltender.

SV%
Save percentage
Refers to the number of goals allowed per shots faced by a goaltender.

SO
Shutouts
Refers to the number of games in which a goaltender does not allow a goal.

Pen
Penalties
The number of infractions committed by a team or an individual player.

MNR
Minor penalties
Encompasses various infractions which result in a two-minute penalty.

MJR
Major penalties
Encompasses various infractions which result in a five-minute penalty.

Fight
Fighting penalties
Major penalties given for fighting.

MSC
Misconduct penalties
Serious offenses which result in 10-minute penalties

GMSC
Game misconduct penalties
A flagrant rule violation which results in a player being ejected.

Pen/GP
Penalties per game
The average number of penalties taken by a player or team during a game.

PIM/GP
Penalty minutes per game
The average number of penalty minutes received by a player or team during a game.

Courtesy of CBS Sportsline with some changes and corrections by MHH.

As an avid hockey enthusiast and expert, I've spent countless hours delving into the intricacies of the sport, studying its nuances, and gaining a comprehensive understanding of the statistical metrics that define on-ice performance. My passion for hockey extends beyond casual fandom; I possess a depth of knowledge that extends to the very core of the game and its statistical fabric.

The article you've shared is a valuable guide to hockey statistics, shedding light on the key metrics that enthusiasts, analysts, and even players use to evaluate performance. Let's break down the concepts mentioned:

Pos (Position):
- Defines one of the six spots on the ice occupied by a particular player.
GP (Games Played):
- A player is credited with a game played if they step on the ice for any length of time or serve a penalty.
G (Goals):
- Awarded to players who last touched the puck on a goal by their team.
A (Assists):
- Awarded to the last two players who touch the puck before a teammate scores, provided no defender plays or possesses the puck in between.
PTS (Points):
- Credited to a player who records either a goal or an assist.
+/- (Plus-Minus rating):
- A plus is given to a player on the ice when their team scores an even-strength or shorthanded goal, while a minus is given when opponents score in those situations. The difference is the plus-minus rating.
PIM (Penalties in minutes):
- The total time a player receives for minor, major, or misconduct infractions.
SOG (Shots on goal):
- The number of times a player has directed the puck directly at the goal.
S% (Shooting percentage):
- The number of goals scored as a percentage of shots taken.
PPG (Power-play goal):
- Goals scored while the other team is playing shorthanded.
SHG (Shorthanded goal):
- Goals scored when a team is killing off a penalty.
OTG (Overtime goals):
- Goals scored after regulation time ends in a tie.
GWG (Game-winning goals):
- Goals that leave a team one goal ahead of the opponent.
GTG (Game-tying goals):
- The final goal in a tie game.
ENG (Empty-net goals):
- Goals scored after an opponent pulls the netminder for an extra attacker.
HAT (Hat trick):
- Refers to a player getting three goals in a game.
PSG (Penalty-shot goals):
- Goals scored by a player who is given a free shot on net.
FOW (Faceoffs won) / FOL (Faceoffs lost) / FO% (Faceoff percentage):
- Statistics related to faceoff performance.
SHFT (Shifts):
- The number of times a player takes to the ice during the course of a game or season.
TOI (Time on ice):
- The minutes and seconds a skater plays during a game or season.
PPTOI (Power play time on ice) / SHTOI (Shorthanded time on ice):
- The minutes and seconds a skater plays during power play or shorthanded situations.
GS (Game starts) / W (Wins) / L (Losses) / T (Ties) / OTL (Overtime losses):
- Statistics related to goaltender performance.
GA (Goals against) / GAA (Goals-against average) / MINS (Minutes) / SVS (Saves) / SV% (Save percentage) / SO (Shutouts):
- Goaltender-specific statistics.
Pen (Penalties) / MNR (Minor penalties) / MJR (Major penalties) / Fight (Fighting penalties) / MSC (Misconduct penalties) / GMSC (Game misconduct penalties):
- Statistics related to penalties and rule violations.
Pen/GP (Penalties per game) / PIM/GP (Penalty minutes per game):
- Average number of penalties or penalty minutes per game for a player or team.

This comprehensive guide provides a foundation for understanding and analyzing player and team performances in hockey, showcasing the richness and complexity of the sport's statistical landscape.