Plus / Minus and TOI

[Canadiens1958]

Research effort looking at early NHL efforts at Plus/Minus and TOI tracking efforts. The NHL has plus/minus data going back to the 1959-60 season including playoffs. Reasonable assumption that the methodology went thru a experimental phase that predates the 1959-60 season and interpretations were generated.

From 1960 November:

The Montreal Gazette - Recherche d'archives de Google Actualités

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[Canadiens1958]

TOI, some posters rely on estimated TOI. NHL started collecting data as far back as 1950 at least. Photo from Maple Leaf Gardens clearly illustrates the equipment. The claim in the accompany story is solid about the other teams since teams were secretive about individual team initiatives:

Montreal Forum | Dennis-Kane.com ———Since 2007

 

[Canadiens1958]

Interesting sidebar is the TOI tracking system since 1950, allowed for 18 players per team. One goalie system, 17 skaters could be tracked, an accommodation 5 d-men, 12 forwards roster structure with variations.

 

[Canadiens1958]

Late season data from 1945 when Maurice Richard broke Joe Malone's record for goals in a season point to the Canadiens tracking the foundation data for Plus/Minus:

Round 2, Vote 1 (HOH Top Wingers)

 

[Canadiens1958]

1948 data provided by Dick Irvin about the Punch Line.

The Montreal Gazette - Recherche d'archives de Google Actualités

Basics of Plus/Minus.

 

[Canadiens1958]

More data touching Plus/Minus circa 1950:

Round 2, Vote 1 (HOH Top Wingers)