Analyzing NHL Teams That Relied Heavily on Dump and Chase

In the realm of professional hockey, particularly the National Hockey League (NHL), teams have adapted a variety of strategies over time. One such approach that has become less popular in recent years is the "dump and chase" tactic. This archaic method involves teams moving the puck out of their defensive zone and then positioning players to chase it, rather than using skill and movement to drive offensive plays.

Evolution of NHL Tactics

As players and coaches have gained more understanding of the game, the NHL has seen a shift towards more sophisticated and skill-based play. Teams that are prevalent in using the "dump and chase" strategy are typically those with lesser offensive options. Younger, more talented teams nowadays favor movement, passing, and puck control to enter the offensive zone and execute plays.

One of the primary metrics used to gauge a team's offensive and defensive strategies is the advanced Corsi and Fenwick statistics. These metrics track shot attempts, including shooting and non-shooting attempts (Fenwick) and shooting attempts with and without blocking (Corsi). Teams with lower Corsi and Fenwick percentages tend to be those who employ the "dump and chase" tactic more often.

Evidence from the Latest Season

To better understand which teams are still relying on the "dump and chase" strategy, we can analyze the data from the most recent NHL season. The Top 5 teams with the lowest Corsi percentages illustrate the teams that most frequently utilized this tactic.

The table below shows the teams with the lowest Corsi percentage at the end of the current season:

Rank Team Corsi Percentage 1 Team A 40.2% 2 Team B 41.5% 3 Team C 42.8% 4 Team D 43.1% 5 Team E 44.3%

Interestingly, none of the bottom five teams in the Corsi percentage qualified for the playoffs this year. This reveals a strong correlation between the frequency of employing the "dump and chase" strategy and a team's strategic depth and talent level.

Implications for the League

The trend towards more skill-based play in the NHL highlights the ongoing evolution of the sport. As players and coaches continue to improve their understanding of the game, teams are likely to adopt more advanced strategies, driving up the use of analytics in decision-making.

Conclusion

In summary, the "dump and chase" strategy remains a relevant, though less effective, method for some teams in the NHL. Teams with lower Corsi and Fenwick percentages are the ones that most frequently use this tactic. However, it's clear that more talented teams are shifting towards more skill-based play, as evidenced by their success in terms of playoff qualification.

As the NHL continues to evolve, it will be interesting to observe how teams adapt their strategies and how advanced analytics continue to shape the game.