Goalie question

[Bsims]

I'm considering doing a more complex statistical analysis of the NHL and have a couple of questions?

First, it appears as though goalies have an impact on hockey games similar to that of pitchers in baseball. Are the starting goalies known before each game and is that available from any site?

Second, once a goalie starts a game, do they usually play the entire game?

[element1286]

http://goaliepost.com/

It gives you an idea who is going to start, isn't 100% correct, but doesn't claim to be.

Yes, once a goalie starts they play the entire game barring injury, or total incompetence.

[keyboarding]

I'm considering doing a more complex statistical analysis of the NHL and have a couple of questions?

First, it appears as though goalies have an impact on hockey games similar to that of pitchers in baseball. Are the starting goalies known before each game and is that available from any site?

Second, once a goalie starts a game, do they usually play the entire game?

Not sure if you can make a comparison between goalies and pitchers, seeing as pitchers are part of a 5 man rotation and get rest, as well as get relief pitching in the game. Goalies start and finish a majority of the games for their teams, unless there is a platoon situation or injury, but even then, the goalie who starts finishes the entire game, unless, as mentioned above, injury or incompetence.

[DennisGreen]

Pitchers definitely have more of an impact on the outcome of games than goalies in hockey games. Unless one team uses a backup, then this would actually provide one team a slight advantage.

[keyboarding]

Pitchers definitely have more of an impact on the outcome of games than goalies in hockey games. Unless one team uses a backup, then this would actually provide one team a slight advantage.

I remember a game where I bet against CHI because Lalime was called up and was going to start. I figured he would be rusty and plus, it's Lalime. He posted a shutout.

[DennisGreen]

I remember a game where I bet against CHI because Lalime was called up and was going to start. I figured he would be rusty and plus, it's Lalime. He posted a shutout.

LOL yeah hockey is the most unpredictable of the major sports. I have the hardest time figuring out who to bet. I breakdown the game and there's no way one team should win, but they usually end up winning somehow.

[cankid]

LOL yeah hockey is the most unpredictable of the major sports. I have the hardest time figuring out who to bet. I breakdown the game and there's no way one team should win, but they usually end up winning somehow.

You just posted your formula for winning, seriously fade yourself, there's no shame if you do well

[Hybris]

Just a heads up for Jonas Gustavsson, Toronto. He may be a rookie but damn he is good, he have huge potential. Just a heads up.

[Brewdogmike]

One thing to factor into your system is how teams do and which goalie they start when they play home and road games on consecutive days. Even the best goalies have a tough time playing home and road games two straight nights. Then you have to look at goals-against average and save percentage. Some goalies just face more quality shots than others, but they're still good.

[keyboarding]

Just a heads up for Jonas Gustavsson, Toronto. He may be a rookie but damn he is good, he have huge potential. Just a heads up.

I don't believe he will be on the team. It's Toskala/MacDonald, I think.

[Hybris]

I don't believe he will be on the team. It's Toskala/MacDonald, I think.

If so then watch out when he gets the chance beacuse he will get it at some point

[keyboarding]

If so then watch out when he gets the chance beacuse he will get it at some point

Well, just keep in mind all the highly touted goalie prospects the Leafs have had in the past decade. It's reason to be a bit skeptical.

[Hybris]

I know its a lame pass but a great save anyway

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap750AIvyQY&hd=1

[Marauders]

I don't believe he will be on the team. It's Toskala/MacDonald, I think.

MacDonald have been waived and it's Toskala and Gustavsson to start the year on the big club. I know preseason stats could be misleading and Gustavsson only played 3 periods in total, but he was impressive in the games he played and could push Toskala for the starting job when he has more experience.