Advanced statistics: the Habs’ powerplay is better with Bolduc than with Demidov

Félix Forget
Advanced statistics: the Habs’ powerplay is better with Bolduc than with Demidov
Credit: Getty Images

The Habs' powerplay is one of the club's major strengths this season. The Habs have a 25% man-advantage efficiency rate this season, which ranks fourth in the NHL.

Only the Oilers, Stars, and Penguins score more often on the power play.

However, there is one aspect of the team's massive attack that is the subject of debate: the rotation between Zachary Bolduc and Ivan Demidov on the first wave . Because, in the eyes of many, this wave is much better with Demidov than with Bolduc.

As Arpon Basu notes in an article for The Athletic, the statistics suggest that the Habs threaten more with Bolduc than with Demidov in the first wave.

The club gets more chances, more shots, more expected goals, and more quality chances when Bolduc is on the first wave.

In fact, all the figures give Bolduc the edge… except one: the number of goals scored. The first wave scored 11 with Demidov and eight with Bolduc.

But generally speaking, the advanced statistics give an advantage to the unit that includes Bolduc. This suggests that, on a larger sample, this unit will eventually be more effective.

On the other hand, the unit with Demidov offers more results. And advanced stats are one thing… but unlike goals, they don't win games.

For the moment, Martin St-Louis still seems to want to alternate the two guys on the first wave depending on the opponent. But when you look at it all, you can see why the coach keeps giving Bolduc chances on the first wave.

It's pretty unusual to see such a rotation… but on the other hand, having two units that look totally different (the one with Bolduc shoots more, while the one with Demidov controls the puck more), makes it tough for other teams.


Overtime

– Hi, Captain!

– This will be a big test.

– The Avalanche continue to break records.

– Well done.

– Really?

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