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They're out on the ice the entire game, and usually the only person on the team that can play that position at any acceptable level. That on top of goalies bein
by patejam 9y ago
They're out on the ice the entire game, and usually the only person on the team that can play that position at any acceptable level. That on top of goalies being your last line of defense, having to take 25-35 shots per game.
The same reason your team fights a lot when the other team messes with your goalie; can't afford an injured goalie.
- ssharp 9y agoI'm not a fan of hockey, so I'm asking this question out of pure curiosity and ignorance. I'm assuming advanced analytics have made their way to hockey. Have the analytics supported this?
- dionidium 9y agoNo, not really. Top-line centers are usually the most valuable player on a team, followed by other scoring forwards. Scoring is a premium in the NHL, which means that a very good scorer is harder to replace than a good defensive player, all else equal. http://www.thehockeynews.com/news/article/new-war-stat-for-hockey-aims-to-provide-greater-insight-into-player-value http://www.thehockeynews.com/news/article/new-war-stat-for-h...