Jason Lewis: Using Zone Entries to Understand the Los Angeles Kings Offensive Roles

i missed if it was stated, but assuming these stats are just 5v5 scenarios yes?

I wonder if there would be any meaning in knowing what % of controlled entries are when its even numbered attack vs 3v2, 2v1, etc. Clearly the % of a "good" carried entry goes higher if there's one less defender contesting. Overall, its probably not a meaningful % but also could be cool to see if certain players generate more outnumbered attacks vs others, perhaps showing the impact of their speed, hockey iq/anticipation, etc.

i missed if it was stated, but assuming these stats are just 5v5 scenarios yes?

I wonder if there would be any meaning in knowing what % of controlled entries are when its even numbered attack vs 3v2, 2v1, etc. Clearly the % of a "good" carried entry goes higher if there's one less defender contesting. Overall, its probably not a meaningful % but also could be cool to see if certain players generate more outnumbered attacks vs others, perhaps showing the impact of their speed, hockey iq/anticipation, etc.
- hiway39

Yes 5v5 only, sorry, I should have mentioned that.

Does DB's successful carry rate count his patented get to the half-wall, brake hard to the boards and fall down?
It's really interesting to see the stat comparison, especially as you point out between top 6 and bottom 6. It stood out watching games that for the duration of his time with the Kings Versteeg was mostly not being utilized in a way that maximized his skill set. The only time he was able to really show his skill level was on the PP where you could see his comfort with the puck on his stick in tight spaces and making smart passes. One surprise to me was how good Nolan's numbers looked, the eye test from watching the season was that Nolan wasn't very effective, but on reflection I suspect that's more once he reaches the offensive zone (which i think DB is guilty of as well), rarely taking or passing the puck to danger areas.

Does DB's successful carry rate count his patented get to the half-wall, brake hard to the boards and fall down?
It's really interesting to see the stat comparison, especially as you point out between top 6 and bottom 6. It stood out watching games that for the duration of his time with the Kings Versteeg was mostly not being utilized in a way that maximized his skill set. The only time he was able to really show his skill level was on the PP where you could see his comfort with the puck on his stick in tight spaces and making smart passes. One surprise to me was how good Nolan's numbers looked, the eye test from watching the season was that Nolan wasn't very effective, but on reflection I suspect that's more once he reaches the offensive zone (which i think DB is guilty of as well), rarely taking or passing the puck to danger areas.
- ColoTim

This is really where you have to sectionalize it. Nolan was good at getting the puck in, but as you point out probably not much after that.

Zone entries and exits give us a good idea of how well the player traversed the neutral zone. As far as offensive zone goes? Yeah, could be a smoldering tire fire. Commendable if they are good entry players but they still have to capitalize once they get there. Brown is a good example of that, he was good at gaining entry, but then really shot from pretty much anywhere and took the threat away from plays. Nolan as well, used his speed and size well to gain entry but generally went straight to grind out shifts behind the net.

Small pieces of the whole puzzle, but interesting data to look at.

These are really interesting numbers. Thank you Jason for doing all the work it took to assemble this data set.

Leaving aside dumping the puck to get a line change, presumably a player dumps when he doesn't think he can make a better play. So for each dump you could ask: was there a better option; if so, was the player aware of that better option; if so, did the player have the skill set to execute that better option; if so, did the player have the discretion to attempt that better option (i.e. does the coach let him).

It would be fun to look at some of the outliers and try to figure out what is the limiting factor that's producing their stats. I'd think, for example, that Pearson would have sufficient skill and line mates to do less dumping than he actually does.

These are really interesting numbers. Thank you Jason for doing all the work it took to assemble this data set.

Leaving aside dumping the puck to get a line change, presumably a player dumps when he doesn't think he can make a better play. So for each dump you could ask: was there a better option; if so, was the player aware of that better option; if so, did the player have the skill set to execute that better option; if so, did the player have the discretion to attempt that better option (i.e. does the coach let him).

It would be fun to look at some of the outliers and try to figure out what is the limiting factor that's producing their stats. I'd think, for example, that Pearson would have sufficient skill and line mates to do less dumping than he actually does.
- responsible_D

Bingo. This is exactly the kind of stuff I am running through with most of these replays/tracking events. Sometimes dumping is literally your best option. And that's okay. Dumping should not be considered the antithesis to good possession hockey. In an instance where the neutral zone is clogged and you have two bruising wingers barring down with speed in the neutral zone...yeah dump that in, hope the Dman coughs it up. As you say though, the critical analysis comes in a situation like the play by Lecavalier. Was there a better option? Did he recognize it? His best option probably WAS to dump it, but instead...well, yeah. This is the beauty of tracking replays and evaluating this sort of small, nuanced play. It can unlock a very interesting more coaching oriented world.

I love doing this work, so you are very welcome. Thank you for being interested!