Quality beyond volume. It seems to be a new trend in the NHL. A bit like NBA players who, for the past ten years, have preferred to take a step back and attempt three-point shots instead of going for a two-point shot with a slightly higher success rate. .
Even though he had one of the most precise shots on the circuit in his heyday, Martin St-Louis does not seem to be entirely in favor of this trend.
“The volume, sometimes, leads to second and third chances which are more dangerous,” said the Canadiens head coach earlier this week. For our part, we try to find a balance.”
“I want us to get volume. But, I don’t want us to do it with our eyes closed, he added. You have to be able to see if there is a slightly more dangerous option.”
Photo Martin Chevalier
We can understand St-Louis wanting to favor volume. At least, for now. Since the start of the campaign, 44.4% of the shots attempted by its players have come from the slot. Which gives them first place on the circuit. For comparison, this percentage was 41.6% last year (4e rank in the NHL).
Not the fault of the defenders
However, the Habs have not yet managed to exceed the plateau of 30 shots on goal. None in 30 games.
It must be said that with a possession index of around 45%, one of the worst on the circuit, that complicates things a little. When you eat volleys once in four games, that means you don’t touch the puck often.
However, this index is similar to that of last year. However, in 2023-2024 the Habs had reached the threshold of 31 shots on 25 occasions. Where does the difference come from?
At first glance, we would be inclined to look towards the defenders. Their contribution in terms of goals is, so far, much less impressive than during the 2023-2024 season. Led by Mike Matheson’s 11 goals, Montreal defenders scored 48. This time, if the trend continues, they will finish the campaign with 25 goals.
In fact, it is among the attackers that we note a decrease in the frequency of shots. Especially in terms of shots on target. That’s practically two fewer per game.
So this brings us back to the search for balance. Considering that the Canadian has practically the same goals per shot ratio as last year (11.1% compared to 10.2%), perhaps he should focus on volume.
For a while.
Average per match, all situations
2024-2025 2023-2024
Shots attempted 51.4 (32e) 52,7 (29e)
Shots attempted by attackers 33.8 (31e) 35,0 (29e)
Shots attempted by defenders 17.6 (28e) 17,6 (26e)
Shots on target 25.8 (32e) 28,2 (28e)
Shots on target from attackers 18.3 (32e) 20,1 (29e)
Shots on target from defenders 7.5 (28e) 8,1 (25e)
Source: Sportlogiq
