This model evaluates and compares player performances across 16 metrics between the 2015 – 2016 and 2017 – 2018 seasons. Each metric is measured on a per-game basis, and each uses a calculated a z-score — the number of standard deviations above / below average for that category. The model matches players who have a similar profile in different aspects parts of the game using the least mean squared error method, but ignores factors like age, height, weight, and position.
*'Really Bad Starts' is defined using Rob Vollman's definition: A starting goalie with a save percentage under 85%. Goals Against Average is plotted on an inverse scale, where lower GAA receives a bigger plot value.
All metrics were calculated by David Jung using the NHL's play-by-play open game data via the nhlscrapr package in R.