We here at The Willful Caboose know how confusing hockey stats can be. Last night’s Sabres game was obviously very exciting as a viewer, but any responsible hockey fan is sure to take a careful look at the statbits following each and every game. What do the numbers teach us, and how can we use this knowledge to move forward in the season’s final push? Analyzing statbits can be a daunting and frustrating task, which is why we have been working furiously since the conclusion of last night’s barn burner to crunch the numbers and to help you make sense of the Sabres’ playoff situation.
Join me for some statbit analysis, won’t you?
First off, let’s have a look at this chart which tells us the order in which the goals were scored. This can be a misleading statbit, so the fan must be wary of misinterpretations. It’s best to leave the analysis to the professionals (me).
Now let’s take a closer look at some individual players. Mike Weber and Andrej Sekera had an interesting night from a statistical standpoint. Plus/minus is a frequently debated statbit, which is why you are so lucky that TWC is providing this analysis. You’ll never be confused again!
And lastly, let’s take a look at my personal favorite statbits from last night: Paul “Goose” Gaustad’s face-off winning percentages. For those of us in the know, this is a very impressive line of statbits, but if you can’t make sense of it, don’t worry! TWC has provided all the analysis you need.
Analysis: Paul Gaustad is attractive. The goal that he and Pommers pulled off to start the third was pure trickery in the best possible sense of the word. He’s a very sneaky goose, and don’t you forget it.
So, there you have it folks! The statbits clearly indicate that moving forward the Sabres would be wise to adopt a policy of playing “alright” in the first period, “completely sucking” in the second, and then “unleashing holy hell on their opponent” in the third. I have forwarded this information to coach Lindy Ruff, so you can rest assured that the Sabres will win every game for the remainder of the season.
Bonus Statbit: Last night, the Sabres became the highest scoring team in the National Hockey League.
Analysis: Whaa?!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding TWC’s statbit analyzing methods.
The Willful Caboose 
TWC: Fun For 100% Fun Against 0% Brilliance Quotient 97.890
Aww, thanks Pookenheimer Smith!
We’re the highest scoring team in the NHL? I call shenanigans on the part of the goal tracker. Really? Ok, research says its only by goal…but still! That’s crazy talk! And Goose has an 80% face off win % one night…but only on 5 draws…then 79% on 14!
Anne, I just added a link to the NHL team stats page that has the Sabres on top of the “goals for” list, because you’re right, that shit needs to be seen to be believed.
Yep, that’s what those goofy guys on 55 said. I was a little confused (doesn’t take much) also but I read it in the paper and I heard it on the news. Put that to music! Teppo wants his money. Hmmm, this could turn into something intresting.
Totally random thought here:
I live in a very rural area, and behind my house is a giant coran field. Apparently it is a good place for a bazillion geese to hang out this time of year. Apparently, Goose’s relatives came in to see his awesome faceoffs, but couldn’t get a good hotel in Buffalo.
If you must know, my town is aptly named Stafford. He really should come visit! :)
That should be a CORN field behind my house. Stupid typos.
Katebits… how did you freakin’ know? I was just thinking today about statbits and how I hate them.
Zzzzzzzz… Huh? Oh, sorry, I nodded off. I always do when there are statbits involved. :P
Kate, you missed my favorite stat of the game… Rob Ray has been hit by 8 out of play pucks this year. Maybe he should get some webbing to guard his little cubby.
“He’s a very sneaky goose, and don’t you forget it.”
As my drill sergeants taught me, “Never underestimate the sneakiness.”
Oh, and um, nice hard hitting analysis or something.
awsome.
But it has been and still is bugging me- the 4th goal was a slapshot (and a goal) BY DEREK ROY. Vanek was in front of the net, but I don’t think he touched it.
Oh well a goal is a goal is a goal. and damn I love it when we score goals!
I am glad we have you to analyze the statbits, because otherwise I’d be completely lost. ;) and I particularly enjoyed the Brian Campbell bit. Well done, as usual, Katebits!
Analysis: Brian Campbell costs way too much money.
This has been so hotly debated this year. I’m glad you finally solved it. :D
This has been so hotly debated this year. I’m glad you finally solved it. :D
Patty, I really try to help whenever I can. :P
Too fun! Playoffs or not, I think the Sabres have one of the hottest teams in the NHL. They still need some work, but they have the potential to become GREAT!
Oh, and YEA GOOSE!!!!
I just found out that my dad got tickets to the game this past Wednesday. Free tickets, free dinner at Buffalo Chophouse, FREE! And he left after the second period!!!!!
I may have to disown him. I feel like I should hide from shame because of his disloyalty. I will show him no mercy tonight when I see him at our annual Good Friday fish fry bash.