Quote:
Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist
Regardless of timing, a 14 game sample is likely more accurate
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It depends how you choose the sample.
In this case, there's a clear dividing line that suggests the first 6 games and the next 8 are not comparable:
In the first 5 games, Johnny Gaudreau had one shot on goal and no points. Then he was scratched for one game. In those 6 games, the Flames scored 14 goals (plus 1 SOW).
In the last 8 games, Gaudreau has had 18 shots and 8 points. The Flames scored 26 goals in that time – almost a goal per game better than their previous pace.
The team's SOG and possession stats also improved dramatically in those 8 games compared to the first 6.
When the light bulb went on over Gaudreau's head, the team's offence changed dramatically for the better. I'm sure he'll have slumps during the season, but he has made a major and obvious improvement to his game, and that makes the Flames significantly stronger. Those first few games look to me like they may turn out to be an outlier.