Quote:
Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan
Now compare it to Ward's tenure.
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Even strength xGF% was 51.09 under Sutter's 12 games, 51.32 over the whole season.
By the law of averages, as you say, this team should be in a playoff spot (or close to). Expected stats are a somewhat overrated IMO, but when sample sizes are small it's the best stat available for tracking player/team performance.
Looks favorable for Ward, but there's quite a bit it doesn't take into account. For instance, this team has known for the past couple of weeks that the playoffs were basically out of reach for them, so it likely took some of the wind out of their sails. Plus, things like injuries, Backlund's new baby, etc.