Can You Understand Hockey Statistics?

It’s easy to enjoy a hockey game. You sit in the arena and take in the jaw-dropping action sequences that take place throughout the game. Simple enough? Not if you don’t understand all the details, specifically the hockey statistics. However, if you go to enough games, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with this information so that you can enjoy the games more.

Our statistics help you learn more about the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins and how all our players are doing throughout the season. Fortunately, learning hockey statistics isn’t that difficult, even if it may seem confusing at first.

If you want to get more into hockey but don’t know where to start, let us help. We’ll make sure you understand everything you need to know about hockey stats before attending your next game.

Hockey Abbreviation Breakdown for Hockey Statistics

When you check out our statistics page, you’ll see a long row and several columns of abbreviations, but what does all this mean? Some are easier to understand, like the number of goals a player has scored, but others, like the plus/minus rating, may take some explaining for the regular Joe. Each player for the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins has their own row, and here you can find a breakdown of their stats.

POS – Position

The player’s position. This can be either C (center), D (defense), LW (left wing), RW (right wing), or G (goaltender).

GP – Games Played

The number of games the player was on the ice.

G – Goals

The number of goals the player has scored.

A – Assists

The number of goals the player has assisted, meaning the player passed the puck to another player who scored a goal.

PTS – Points

The number of points awarded to the player, which includes points for goals and assists.

*Let’s take a breather. Simple so far, right? The next few statistics will make you a hockey expert. Let’s continue!*

+/- – Plus/Minus Rating

The plus/minus rating is calculated by giving the player one point for each even-strength or short-handed goal his team scores while he is on the ice and subtracting one point for each even-strength or short-handed goal the opposing team scores while he is on the ice.

PIM – Penalties in Minutes

The total number of penalty minutes the player received.

PPG – Power Play Goals

The number of goals the player made while his team was on a power play. This means the opposing team had at least one player serving a penalty, resulting in them having fewer players on the ice.

SHG – Short-Handed Goals

The number of goals a player scored when his team had fewer players on the ice.

GWG – Game-Winning Goals

The number of goals the player scored that caused the team to win.

SOG – Shots on Goal

The number of shots on goal the player made, which are shots that the goaltender is required to stop, and if they didn’t, it would be a goal.

SOA – Shootout Shots Against

The number of shootout shots against the goaltender.

SO% – Shootout Save Percentage

The percentage of saves the goaltender made during a shootout.

SH – Shooting

Whether the player shoots left or right.

SH% – Shooting Percentage

The player’s shooting percentage is determined by dividing the goals made by the number of shots they took.

MIN – Minutes

The total number of minutes a goaltender is on the ice.

SO – Shutouts

The number of games where the goaltender prevented the other team from getting any goals during the entire game.

GAA – Goals Against Average

The average number of goals made against the goaltender.

W – Wins

The number of wins for a goaltender.

L – Losses

The number of losses for a goaltender.

SVS – Saves

The number of saves the goaltender made.

SA – Shots Against

The number of shots against a goaltender.

SAV % – Save Percentage

The goaltender’s save percentage is determined by dividing the number of saves the goaltender made by the total number of shots against them.

When You’ll See Hockey Abbreviations

Hockey abbreviations are not as uncommon as one may think. There are actually several situations where you might see them while you enjoy hockey. This is because hockey abbreviations for hockey terms are commonly used across various platforms and contexts where the sport is discussed, analyzed, or played. Here are some of the most frequent places you’ll encounter them:

1. Scoreboards and Game Displays

• Abbreviations like “PP” (power play), “PK” (penalty kill), “OT” (overtime), and “SOG” (shots on goal) are often displayed on scoreboards during games to provide quick updates.

2. Broadcasts and Commentaries

• Hockey commentators frequently use abbreviations to keep up with the fast pace of the game. For example, they might say “GAA” (goals against average) or “PIM” (penalty minutes) when discussing player stats.

3. Statistics and Analytics

• Abbreviations are heavily used in statistical summaries, player profiles, and analytics reports. Terms like “G” (goals), “A” (assists), “PTS” (points), and “SV%” (save percentage) are standard in these contexts.

4. Team and League Websites

• Official NHL or team websites use abbreviations in player stats, game recaps, and standings. For example, “GP” (games played) and “W-L-OTL” (wins-losses-overtime losses) are common in standings.

5. Fantasy Hockey Platforms

• Fantasy hockey leagues rely on abbreviations to display player performance metrics and rankings, such as “PPP” (power play points) or “HIT” (hits).

6. Social Media

• On platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, abbreviations are used to save space and quickly convey information. For instance, “GWG” (game-winning goal) or “ENG” (empty net goal) might appear in posts or hashtags.

7. Hockey Forums and Communities

• Online forums, Reddit threads, and fan communities often use abbreviations as shorthand to discuss games, players, and strategies.

8. Game Programs and Media Guides

• Printed materials like game programs, media guides, and yearbooks use abbreviations to summarize player stats and team information.

9. Coaching and Training

• Coaches and players use abbreviations in playbooks, drills, and strategy discussions. For example, “D” (defenseman) or “F” (forward) might be used in diagrams or instructions.

10. Hockey Video Games

• In games like EA Sports’ NHL series, abbreviations are used in player stats, game modes, and on-screen displays to enhance the gaming experience.

11. Merchandise and Memorabilia

• Abbreviations can appear on merchandise like T-shirts, hats, and posters, often as part of slogans or designs (e.g., “PK Specialist” for a penalty kill expert).

Stay Up to Date with the Penguins

Now that you know a little bit more about hockey statistics, you’ll have an easier time staying up to date with how the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins are performing. Be sure to follow along throughout our season by checking our schedule and getting tickets to come see a game in person!