Evaluating Space Creation in the National Hockey League using Puck and Player Tracking Data

Abstract

Star ice hockey players are often described as having a magnetic pull, with the ability to draw out opponents and generate dangerous opportunities for their linemates in the space left vacant by defenders. Using spatiotemporal Puck and Player Tracking (PPT) data, we develop a quantitative approach to measure how players create space while in possession of the puck, termed On-Puck Space Generation (OPSG). The benefits of our model’s approach include its decomposition into three components: 1) Rink Control, the probability of controlling the puck at a given location; 2) Rink Value, the probability of scoring from a given location; and 3) Transition Probability, the probability that the next on-puck event will occur at a given location. Preliminary results of our metric show that players who achieve high levels of OPSG are more likely to lead their team in goals, assists and points. Our model can be used to analyze which players are in positions of danger, identify instances in which an individual created valuable space for their teammates, and understand which teams are best at generating space.