I was intrigued by a recent Ottawa Hockey Analytic conference at Carleton University On February 7, 2015. Not only is it in my favourite North American city but it is also the city where my favourite NHL team is from! I wish I was there! They had prestigious hockey analytics from across North America to present their findings.
Therefore, for my next genius hour post and for the next few weeks, I think I am going to focus on their findings once a summary is posted.
In the mean time, I am going to embed a TwitterChat started at the conference (#OTTanalytics) in my blog which I will research and look into at a further date.
My current goal: By February 28, 2015: I will have my statistical analysis complete and a prediction will be made.
Thursday, 12 February 2015
Wednesday, 4 February 2015
February 4, 2015
Demands at school have been higher than anticipated so I have not currently reached my goal for this week in Genius Hour completion. Having said that, I will be sure to make up the time lost in coming weeks but for today's analysis, I will discuss briefly some of the current standings in the 2014-15 season. In weeks to come, I will be analyzing the data from other seasons (currently, the data is inputted for 2008 - 2014).
Toronto Maple Leafs
Oh, the Canadian 'favorites' (well...depending where you are from I guess). They started off so well; playoff contenders at that. After firing head coach, Randy Carlyle (even as a non-leafs fan, I miss you!), it seemed like the dust was clearing and Toronto was back on track. Now however under their current interim coach and former assistant coach, Peter Horachek, they have just suffered their 10th straight loss.
All Leafs jokes aside, each year Toronto has potential (I may even cringe as I say that) statistically. They have been known to win games despite being out-shot--something I found to resonate well with standings--and have some fresh new blood (Hello Nylander). Maybe next year, boys.
Ottawa Senators
I love the Senators (Go Sens Go!) Despite their current standings (roughly 12 points back from a playoff spot), they have good games and they have bad games. After firing their head coach, Paul MacLean (tear, tear), people were hesitant about their assistant coach, Dave Cameron, taking over. Although his winning streak is not nearly consistent, he is good at line juggling when appropriate! This young and vibrant group, under new captain, Erik Karlsson, has potential...they just need to find it!
Nashville Predators
Statistically, they are the best team in the league right now (72 points). Fresh off of a sweep against Toronto and winning 6 of their last 10 games, Nashville has been consistent both offensively and defensively. What is interesting to note is their goals for differential compared to their goals against is currently the second highest in the league (+35; only behind Chicago with +37). I now am curious as to whether or not this influences success.
St. Louis Blues
Currently St. Louis has the best record. Sitting pretty with 70 points, on a 6 game winning streak in regulation and winning 9 of their last 10 games, the fire is light underneath St. Louis! Throughout the entire season however, I have noticed their consistency. If I had to make any bets right now on who would win (statistically aside), they would be my go-to choice.
Until next time...
Toronto Maple Leafs
Oh, the Canadian 'favorites' (well...depending where you are from I guess). They started off so well; playoff contenders at that. After firing head coach, Randy Carlyle (even as a non-leafs fan, I miss you!), it seemed like the dust was clearing and Toronto was back on track. Now however under their current interim coach and former assistant coach, Peter Horachek, they have just suffered their 10th straight loss.
All Leafs jokes aside, each year Toronto has potential (I may even cringe as I say that) statistically. They have been known to win games despite being out-shot--something I found to resonate well with standings--and have some fresh new blood (Hello Nylander). Maybe next year, boys.
Ottawa Senators
I love the Senators (Go Sens Go!) Despite their current standings (roughly 12 points back from a playoff spot), they have good games and they have bad games. After firing their head coach, Paul MacLean (tear, tear), people were hesitant about their assistant coach, Dave Cameron, taking over. Although his winning streak is not nearly consistent, he is good at line juggling when appropriate! This young and vibrant group, under new captain, Erik Karlsson, has potential...they just need to find it!
Nashville Predators
Statistically, they are the best team in the league right now (72 points). Fresh off of a sweep against Toronto and winning 6 of their last 10 games, Nashville has been consistent both offensively and defensively. What is interesting to note is their goals for differential compared to their goals against is currently the second highest in the league (+35; only behind Chicago with +37). I now am curious as to whether or not this influences success.
St. Louis Blues
Currently St. Louis has the best record. Sitting pretty with 70 points, on a 6 game winning streak in regulation and winning 9 of their last 10 games, the fire is light underneath St. Louis! Throughout the entire season however, I have noticed their consistency. If I had to make any bets right now on who would win (statistically aside), they would be my go-to choice.
Until next time...
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