We’re always looking at new ways to give you a look inside the game, and one of those new features will be rolling out today. As part of SBNation’s effort to track scoring chances, Derek Zona has graciously offered to help us out by providing scoring chance data on the Jackets until I can get myself comfortable with the tracking process and start producing them during the season.
For purposes of tracking, here’s how we’re defining a scoring chance:
A scoring chance is defined as a clear play directed toward the opposing net from a dangerous scoring area – loosely defined as the top of the circle in and inside the faceoff dots, though sometimes slightly more generous than that depending on the amount of immediately-preceding puck movement or screens in front of the net. Blocked shots are generally not included, but missed shots are. A player is awarded a scoring chance anytime he is on the ice and someone from either team has a chance to score. He is awarded a “chance for” if someone on his team has a chance to score and a “chance against” if the opposing team has a chance to score.
We’re using the tracking script created by Time On Ice, and you can see some explanations of how this analysis can be used over at Blueshirt Banter and Copper & Blue.
The breakdowns for Friday and Saturday’s games will be up shortly – we look forward to hearing what you think!