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Whether you like advanced statistics in hockey or not, they're here to stay.
As we learn more about them and what each metric tells us, they're becoming more useful and several NHL teams have taken notice.
For example, the Chicago Blackhawks - an NHL powerhouse for several years now - have openly admitted they track all sorts of data and use it to help make roster decisions.
One team that doesn't believe in advanced stats - or at least has one of the higher ups in the organization against them - is the New Jersey Devils and David Conte, who's been in a key scouting role with the team for a long, long time.
It's worth noting the team was hiring people for their analytic department just a few months ago, but I haven't heard if the positions were filled.
Oshawa Generals radio play-by-play man
Vishal Hussain had a chance to speak with Conte about a number of topics at the draft combine in Toronto earlier this week, and analytics came up.
When Hussain mentioned the Devils were among the only teams near the top of the league in Corsi and Fenwick that missed the playoffs, Conte downplayed the meaning of those statistics.
"I don't read that stuff. I think it's all cosmetic. I don't think it means anything. You win your battles you win the game. What you do when it doesn't matter isn't nearly as important as what you do when it does matter. I think analytics have a great place in certain things but the sampling of hockey is a little different. It's mono-on-mono, and I don't know if I agree with all that. We're certainly trying to utilize all that, but again that's history. What's going to happen tomorrow?"
When asked if he'd say hockey is too random to quantify using advanced statistics:
"I would. But I think there are things you can quantify. I think there's a lot of things that can be used for it. Unfortunately I think it's a lot of people telling me what I already know. I know when guys are not good in the last minute. I know that. I've been watching them for 30 years. I know there are certain guys you can count on and I also know you make a great shot and it hits the post and goes one way, and you make a great shot and it goes the other way, it's a big difference."
While Conte doesn't seem to believe these statistics are overly useful, thanks to Corsi and Fenwick, etc. - all of which I believe have a place in hockey - we have been able to help accurately project outcomes over time.
These statistics have told us the Leafs weren't a playoff team this year despite their hot start, and that it was only a matter of time before they collapsed. They also suggested the New York Rangers were a lot better than their regular season record indicated, so those in the analytics community are not at all surprised they're playing for a Stanley Cup.
There are always exceptions to what the numbers tell us and it's important to combine the eye-test with these statistics, but to say they don't have a place in hockey is ignorant.
Hopefully for the Devils' sake not all those who hold high positions within the organization share Conte's beliefs, because these numbers have proven to be accurate more often than not.
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