HIGH AND WIDE HOCKEY Articles Combining Analytics and the Eye Test for Individual Flyers in 2021-2022

Combining Analytics and the Eye Test for Individual Flyers in 2021-2022

September 14, 2021September 14, 2021| Flyers JohnnyFlyers Johnny| 0 Comment| 7:30 am
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Alright, here we go. Combining both forces!

Now, before I start, I would just like to say that these statistics in isolation obviously do NOT tell the whole story. So when you read them and review, do NOT translate that as being a “good” or “bad” defenseman. Take it with a grain of salt.

For example, there are a lot of things that overall GREAT defensemen do poorly. Alternatively, there are things that overall POOR defenseman do very well.

However, that doesn’t mean that the data isn’t interesting. I was personally surprised by a few.

What I am going to do with this data is make a note of them and see if these certain players improve in these specific areas. That’s all.

I am NOT going to use the data to make a determination on the player as a whole.

This practice can be referred to as cross-referencing. Also known as combining the useful data and coupling it with the eye test. Yes, it is okay, you can use both. I promise I am NOT going to tell on you.

Anyways, below are where certain Flyers players graded out last season (according to @JFreshHockey using data from InStat):

New Flyers’ defensemen, Rasmus Ristolainen and Keith Yandle, were ranked 8th and 11th, respectively, in highest defensive zone turnover rates amongst all qualifying defensemen

Again, breathe easy. This doesn’t mean they are poor defensemen, as a whole. It’s okay, take my hand, we can do this.

With this stat, keep an eye on breakouts and clearing the defensive zone specifically. Notice if Yandle and Ristolainen can make that first pass to start a breakout. Also notice if they are prone to chaotically throwing the puck up the boards instead of trying to make an outlet pass to a forward.

Forwards Oskar Lindblom and James Van Reimsdyk ranked at the BOTTOM of qualifying forwards who SUCCESSFULLY deke the most

Not going to lie, when I read this at first, I thought JVR and Lindblom were ranked at the top of successful dekes and I said “well, that doesn’t seem right.” And well, it’s because it wasn’t. They were dead last at the bottom. I seldom notice James Van Riemsdyk deke. With Lindblom, you notice it from time to time. I mean, JVR isn’t really known as a puck-handler or play-driver so you don’t seem his control the puck that much. Most of the time, you see a player like JVR chip the puck in and attack on the forecheck and similar with Lindblom.

But hey, hopefully we see both of these guys with less dekes and less turnovers, especially in the neutral zone. Keep an eye out for more dump-and-chase and chip in’s at the offensive blue-line, as opposed to trying to deke their way into the zone.

Joel Farabee had one of the lowest puck battle success rates amongst qualifying forwards

Not a big deal. We saw how effective Farabee was all of last season. It will be interesting to watch how Farabee’s offseason training pays off and to see if we will notice a difference in this statistic for the upcoming year. I’m almost certain we will. Beezer has been hitting the squats, punishing those triceps and just INVADING on the hammer curls.

If it makes you feel any better, Beezer, I wouldn’t have won battles against Shea Weber, either. WE CLIMB!

Justin Braun…Yes, Justin Braun was ranked 4TH (!) amongst all qualifying defensemen in successful puck battle percentage

WOW! what a surprise, eh? Personally, I’ve been hard on Brauner. I really have. It’s the way he skates, it really is. However, this shows that he does one thing well…and he does it VERY well, evidently. This is something to look for again when he’s most likely partnered with Keith Yandle on the 3rd pair. Keep It up, Brauner! Just ignore my angry tweets.

SURPRISE! Sean Couturier has one of the highest puck battle success percentages amongst qualifying forwards

When I said ”SURPRISE!”, what I meant to say was: NO surprise here. Couturier has been one of the best defensive forwards in the game over the past 4 or 5 years. It will be interesting to watch for WHERE he wins those puck battles. My guess? ALL OVER. Offensive Zone, Defensive Zone, Neutral Zone, take your pick.

Something to also look for his how responsible Couturier is when defending the slot in the defensive zone when covering for a defenseman. Additionally, look at his efficiency as the second man in for board/puck battles. As Bernie Parent says, “It’s a beautiful thing.”

Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Travis Konecny had two of the highest turnover rates amongst qualifying forwards

Definitely something to monitor. Truth be told, a big year of progression is needed for both, Travis Konecny and NAK. It will be worth monitoring how much TK controls the puck now that Jakub Voracek is gone and Cam Atkinson is inserted. That’s assuming they play on the same line. Anyways, let’s hope TK fires the puck a lot more and NAK stays out of the box. Sound good? Good.

Hopefully, this was fun for you. If not, well…you read this far. Flyers hockey is soon approaching!

Follow me on Twitter @FlyersJohnny

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