New Jersey Devils at Toronto Maple Leafs: Zone Exits and Passing Stats

Just like the last Leafs-Devils game, the team from New Jersey outshot the team from Ontario. Also just like the last Leafs-Devils game, the Leafs won in a shootout. The team was particularly wasteful with its shot generation. It was a frustrating game all around. Let’s get to it.

Passing Stats

Forwards:

Plenty of SAG to go around as the forwards generated 34 shot attempts via their passing. Unfortunately, they only converted 10 of those into actual shots. All but Reid Boucher had at least 1 SAG.

Due to the special teams play, the passing totals were slightly down from recent games. The only forwards to exceed 10 pass attempts in the offensive zone were Dainius Zubrus (10/13) and Jaromir Jagr (10/12). Travis Zajac went a mere 3/4 in the OZ. The trio combined for 10 SAG and 3 SG.

The CBGB line actually was quite efficient going forward as they combined to complete and attempt 20 passes in the offensive zone. They put up 12 SAG and 3 SG, so, again, good quantity and low quality.

Defensemen:

Marek Zidlicky (24/27) and Andy Greene (21/25) were the only defensemen that consistently contributed to the offensive production. They combined for 10 SAG and 6 SG. No one was particular poor with their passing, but aside from Bryce Salvador’s single SAG, no else contributed offensively. The defensemen completed 60 of 66 passes in their own zone for a sterling 90.9% completion rate.

Passing Data Explained:

Pass: A reasonable and deliberate attempt to get the puck to a teammate which results in 1 of 3 outcomes: 1) Maintaining possession; 2) Allows for the recipient of the pass to make a “hockey move” (dump in, deflection, another pass etc.); 3) A shot attempt. When in doubt, common sense will prevail.

What you see above is a chart illustrating pass completions, pass attempts, and pass percentages for each player in all three zones. A pass that goes across a zone or two will be marked as occurring in the zone it originates from.

Each completed pass that results in a shot taken by a teammate counts as one “shot attempt generated” or “SAG” in the chart below. This is tracked to attempt to determine which teammates are better at generating opportunities to shoot. You’ll also see a “shot generated” or “SG” column to track the highest quality of shot attempts. The last column totals the percentage of shot attempts that result in shots on net.

Zone Exit Stats

Forwards: Only a 44.0 PE%, which was a good 5% lower than their average thus far. As effective as they were on their OZ passing, the CBGB line had it rough exiting the zone. 5 total turnovers for the forwards. Ryane Clowe was the best forward with 7 attempts and 5 with possession.

Defensemen: Only 33 attempts on the night, for a very strong 57.6 PE%. Greene led the way with 10 attempts, with half of the possession variety. Salvador and Zidlicky were the lowest, but even they weren’t terrible at 42.9%. 4 turnovers by the defensemen on the night—still not great, but an improvement over recent games. Salvador’s turnover was the most visible and costly.

Zone Exits Explained: Any attempt made by a player to advance the puck from their defensive zone. These actions fall into the below categories (as illustrated on the below chart).

Possession Exits:

P) Pass: When a player passes the puck out of the zone and it successfully finds a teammate.

(C) Carry: When a player skates with the puck out of the zone, maintaining possession.

Successful Zone Exits without Possession:

(FP) Failed Pass: When a player passes the puck out of the zone, but it fails to find its target.

(FC) Failed Carry: When a player skates with the puck out of the zone, but loses possession shortly thereafter.

(CH) Chip: When the player lifts the puck out of the zone or throws it off the boards and out.

(X) Other: Any action that results in a successful zone exit not already covered.

Unsuccessful Zone Exit:

(PT) Pass Turnover: When a player fails to clear the zone with a pass and it results in a turnover to the opposition.

(CT) Carry Turnover: When a player fails to skate out of the zone with the puck and loses possession.

(I) Icing: An attempt to clear results in icing the puck.

(T) Turnover: Any action that results in a turnover not already covered.

What reaction do you have to these stats? How do they compare with your viewing of the game?