Most Recent ArticlesBy Robert Vollman, ESPN Insider
May 1, 2013
We all knew when the lockout-shortened, 48-game 2013 NHL season began that some borderline team would qualify for the postseason by going on a hot streak it would have had difficulty sustaining over a full 82-game campaign. We just did not know which team it would be. As it turns out, it looks as if that team is the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Robert Vollman, Hockey Prospectus
April 30, 2013
In a rematch of last years conference semifinal of two strong and well-coached possession monsters, including the defending Stanley Cup champions and potentially the leagues hottest team, it is quite unfortunate that one of them has to go home so early.
Robert Vollman, Hockey Prospectus
April 29, 2013
After Chicago started the season with points in their first 24 games, their streak was ended with back-to-back losses to Colorado and Edmonton, of all teams. Minnesota may have improved from lottery team to playoff bubble team with the offseason acquisitions of Ryan Suter and Zach Parise, but at great expense. Fortunately, they made the playoffs for the first time since 2007-08 (and for the fourth time ever). On the surface, this already looks like a David vs. Goliath matchu, but when you look under the hood, it is actually even worse.
By Robert Vollman, ESPN Insider
April 12, 2013
The trade deadline had a huge impact on a number of NHL rosters, but while some teams loaded up for a big playoff run, it comes at a cost. The Pittsburgh Penguins undeniably improved their team by the widest margin this trade deadline season, but also at a far higher future cost than any of this years other buyers like the Boston Bruins and Vancouver Canucks. On the flip side, the Buffalo Sabres got the most future value and did so while giving up less than half of the next top-two sellers, the Dallas Stars and the Calgary Flames.
By Robert Vollman, ESPN Insider
March 30, 2013
Puck-moving defensemen, value players who can log tough minutes and skilled goaltenders are the trade-deadline needs in the Northwest Division, whose postseason participants have been all but decided. The offseason acquisition of superstars Zach Parise and Ryan Suter instantly vaulted the Minnesota Wild into contention with the perennial division-leading Vancouver Canucks, while the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche continue to rebuild with youth (hopefully for the last season).
| Most Popular ArticlesBy Robert Vollman, ESPN Insider
February 17, 2011
What can be learned from the NHL's vast history that can help reduce the chances of lopsided deals? Using GVT we can compare players of all types, and across all different eras, helping us find the five most lopsided deals of the post-expansion era. Find out in this record-setting ESPN Insider exclusive.
By Robert Vollman, Hockey Prospectus
January 9, 2013
A great use of statistical hockey analysis is to find underrated players, like Colorados Ryan OReilly. While a certain portion of his undeniable talent can obviously be picked up by simply watching him play, the full extent of his highly-disciplined defensive talent and possession-driving playmaking abilities can be more fully grasped when studying the underlying numbers.
By Robert Vollman, ESPN Insider
July 7, 2011
It's been a busy summer for many teams. The Philadelphia Flyers underwent a major overhaul, shipping off Jeff Carter and Mike Richards to make room for Ilya Bryzgalov and Jaromir Jagr. The Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks traded stars -- Martin Havlat for Dany Heatley -- and the New York Rangers won the Brad Richards sweepstakes. These teams all have one more thing in common: None of them made the biggest overall impact this summer.
By Robert Vollman
March 1, 2011
While discussing Dustin Byfugliens contract recently, a question from fat_daddyo came up about how to measure GVT (and by extension marginal wins) against salary/cap hit and see if a particular player is playing up to their contract. My initial response was to use GVS: Goals Versus Salary.
Robert Vollman, Hockey Prospectus
May 17, 2010
What save percentage constituted a Quality Start this past season, who led the league in Quality Start Percentage, why Jaroslav Halak is one of the most improved netminders this year, how did Vesa Toskala perform even worse in 2009-10 than in the previous season, why Carey Price and Tim Thomas should feel upset about the offenses of the Canadiens and Bruins, and why Antti Niemi and Pekka Rinne should be thankful for the way the Blackhawks and Predators offenses played with them in net this season.
Robert Vollman, Hockey Prospectus
October 21, 2011
To get a sense of how many points a player will score when moving from the AHL to the NHL, everyone has generally used the 0.45 rule of thumb. Multiply their AHL scoring by that magic number and you can get a fairly accurate picture of how they will do in the NHL. Lately, we have been taking a deeper look at AHL-to-NHL translations, and seeing if we can improve on this simplistic approach.
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