Goals Above Replacement (GAR) is a metric used in ice hockey analytics to evaluate performance. It is a statistic that attempts to measure a player’s total contributions to the team’s goal differential. It can be used to compare players across different positions, as well as to evaluate a player’s individual performance. In this article, we will explore what GAR is, how it is calculated, and how it can be used to evaluate player performance.
Introduction to Goals Above Replacement
Goals Above Replacement (GAR) is a metric used in hockey analytics to measure a player’s total contributions to the team’s goal differential. It attempts to measure a player’s overall value to the team. It is a statistic that takes into account both offensive and defensive contributions.
GAR is a relatively new metric, having been developed in 2014 by hockey analytics expert Emmanuel Perry. It is a more comprehensive statistic than traditional analytics such as plus/minus or points per game. GAR is a complex statistic that is calculated using a variety of factors, including shot attempt metrics, scoring chance metrics, and other metrics.
Calculating Goals Above Replacement
GAR is calculated by taking a player’s offensive contributions and subtracting the expected contributions of a “replacement level” player. A replacement level player is defined as a player who is expected to perform at an average level. This means that a player’s GAR is a measure of their performance relative to an average player.
To calculate GAR, a player’s offensive contributions are measured using a variety of metrics, including shots on goal, shot attempts, scoring chances, and expected goals. The expected contributions of a replacement level player are also calculated using these metrics. The difference between the player’s offensive contributions and the expected contributions of a replacement level player is then calculated. This difference is the player’s GAR.
Interpreting Goals Above Replacement
GAR is a metric that can be used to compare players across different positions. It can also be used to evaluate a player’s individual performance. A higher GAR indicates a more valuable player, while a lower GAR indicates a less valuable player.
For example, a player’s GAR may be higher than another player’s due to their ability to create more scoring chances or generate a higher percentage of shots on goal. Conversely, a player’s GAR may be lower than another player’s due to their inability to generate scoring chances or their poor shooting percentage.
Using Goals Above Replacement in Evaluating Player Performance
Goals Above Replacement can be used to evaluate player performance. It can be used to compare players across different positions, as well as to evaluate a player’s individual performance.
For example, GAR can be used to compare the performance of two defensemen. If one defenseman has a higher GAR than the other, it may indicate that the first defenseman is more valuable to the team. It may also indicate that the first defenseman is a better offensive player than the second defenseman.
Similarly, GAR can be used to evaluate a player’s individual performance. If a player has a high GAR, it may indicate that the player is a valuable offensive contributor. Conversely, if a player has a low GAR, it may indicate that the player is not contributing as much offensively as they should be.
Conclusion
Goals Above Replacement (GAR) is a metric used in hockey analytics to measure a player’s total contributions to the team’s goal differential. It is a statistic that attempts to measure a player’s overall value to the team. GAR is calculated by taking a player’s offensive contributions and subtracting the expected contributions of a “replacement level” player. GAR can be used to compare players across different positions, as well as to evaluate a player’s individual performance. It is a valuable tool for evaluating player performance and can be used to identify the most valuable players on a team.