Sometimes the numbers explain better than any highlight reel why a team wins with one line combination and gets stuck in its own end with another. One of the most straightforward yet often underrated stats is plus–minus. It doesn’t require complex models, is recorded on the official scoresheet, and quickly shows whether a player brings more good or harm to his team while he’s on the ice.
What Exactly Does Plus–Minus Measure
The essence of the metric is the goal differential while the player is on the ice. Formally: plus–minus = goals for with the player on the ice − goals against with the player on the ice (in the game states covered by the rules). The stat can be calculated for a single game, a specific stretch, the entire regular season, or a playoff series.
How Points Are Awarded: When “+” And When “–”
- “Plus” (+1) is credited to all skaters on the ice for the scoring team on even-strength goals (5×5, 4×4, 3×3) and for shorthanded goals.
- “Minus” (–1) is given to all opposing skaters on the ice at the same time—i.e., they were scored on at even strength or conceded a shorthanded goal while on the power play.
Important: Goals scored by your team on the power play do not earn a plus; goals allowed while you are shorthanded (the opponent on the power play) do not earn a minus. However, if your team is on the power play and concedes a shorthanded goal, the power-play unit takes a minus, while the shorthanded scorers receive a plus.
Protocol Exceptions
- Goals scored on a penalty shot do not affect plus–minus.
- In most leagues, no “plus” is awarded on power-play goals.
- Goaltenders are not credited with this statistic.
A note on empty nets: when the opponent pulls its goalie, goals for or against usually count toward skaters’ plus–minus; 6×5 situations are typically logged like even strength on the scoresheet, so such goals often “color” the aggregate rating.
Aggregation And Example
The stat accumulates linearly. If a player was at –6 before a game and posted +3 in that matchup, his new total becomes –3. Short spikes can therefore quickly improve (or spoil) the season line.
What The Metric Actually Shows
Plus–minus provides a quick read on a player’s on-ice team effect. A skater may register neither a goal nor an assist yet, through smart off-puck play, forechecking, neutralizing the opponent’s stars, and clean zone exits, consistently keep his team “in the plus.” Conversely, a prolific scorer with weak defensive discipline and positional mistakes will often trend negative.
Limitations: Where Misreads Happen Easily
- Team Context. The number is sensitive to linemates and strength of opposition. A third-line player tasked with shutting down the opponent’s top unit may post a modest plus–minus while delivering major real value.
- Zone Starts And Role. Skaters who take more defensive-zone faceoffs incur a statistical “tax.”
- Sample Size. Over short spans the stat is volatile: a couple of deflections can turn neutral into negative. Season-long evaluations are more reliable.
- Special Teams. Because power-play goals don’t add a plus, power-play specialists’ plus–minus can understate their true impact.
How To Use It In Betting And Match Analysis
For betting, plus–minus works well as a 5×5 quality filter. Compare indicators for the likely matchups: if the home team’s second line has been consistently in the plus over a long stretch against strong opponents, that signals value for totals tied to their shifts, live handicaps, or player props. Track the trend: a sharp dip into negatives for a defense pair may coincide with a partner’s injury or line-combination changes—markets can be slow to adjust. Layer in context: goaltending quality, schedule, rest, and who most often matches up against the opponent’s top line.
Quick Checklist Before A Prediction
- Look at plus–minus specifically in 5×5 and shorthanded states, not just the raw total.
- Evaluate skaters by pairs/lines, not in a vacuum.
- Check the quality of opposition over the window you’re using.
- Confirm the trend with advanced metrics (xG, shot differential, expected-goals share) to filter out noise.
What To Take Away
Plus–minus isn’t perfect, but it’s highly practical: it quickly shows whether a player’s presence yields a positive goal balance for his team at five-on-five and when shorthanded. Use it as a first-pass filter, and make final decisions based on roles within lines, current combinations, and supplemental numbers. In that setup, a simple count of “pluses” and “minuses” becomes a reliable helper for parsing lines and game scenarios.
