First Line LW
15 years ago
We’ve observed a revolving door on LW throughout the season so far. Have you ever wondered which of the various disappointments (Penner, Cole, Nilsson, Moreau) did the best job in the role?
Thanks to Vic Ferrari’s awesome tool, Timeonice.com, we can compare and contrast the left wings to play on that line. Keep in mind that this doesn’t allow for quality of competition, but given that Horcoff and Hemsky are together in all situations, I don’t imagine that there is much variance. We’re looking at three different numbers here –- goals for and against, Corsi, and shots ratio. While the first two are common terms, shots ratio is the number of shots for per every 100 shots against. In other words, 150/100 would mean that the Oilers were generating 150 shots on net for every 100 shots against.
Horcoff, Hemsky and Penner
Goals For/Against: 5/2= +3
Corsi: +29
Shots Ratio: 185/100
Horcoff, Hemsky and Cole
Goals For/Against: 0/2= -2
Corsi: +2
Shots Ratio: 103/100
Horcoff, Hemsky and Nilsson
Goals For/Against: 2/2= 0
Corsi: +16
Shots Ratio: 180/100
Horcoff, Hemsky and Moreau
Goals For/Against: 1/1= 0
Corsi: -9
Shots Ratio: 70/100
Those are some startling numbers. With either Penner or Nilsson, the Oilers top line was dominant –- outshooting the opposition almost two to one isn’t something that happens by accident. With Erik Cole, they were close to even, and with Ethan Moreau, they were getting outplayed rather badly.
All things considered, it’s good that MacTavish has put Penner back on the top unit, and hopefully he doesn’t change that up anytime soon.
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