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Part two of our look at Capitals zone transitions focuses on failed defensive zone exits. The charting effort sets out to identify and aggregate unsuccessful controlled attempts to move the puck out of the defensive zone. 

You may recall that our first installment charted defensive zone exits and offensive zone entries (you can read that here). Part two builds on some of the insight collected from the first assessment, and identifies and tracks unsuccessful attempts to exit the defensive zone for a single game.

DATA SOURCE
The following data was aggregated and charted for the Washington Capitals at the New York Islanders played on Thursday, March 15, 2018 (Game re-cap is here). Entering the game, the Capitals were 39-23-7 (85 points) and in first place in the Metropolitan Division. The Islanders were 30-29-10 (70 points) and in last place in the Metropolitan Division.

As was the case with part one, It’s important to note that this is a single game sample, and NOT meant to derive any particular trends or unique characteristics regarding Capitals team possession or player capabilities.

DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this second tracking effort, the following terms and definitions were used to specify failed defensive zone “exits” for the aforementioned game.

• Exits – “Exits” refer to the zone transitions (crossing the blue line) starting from within the defensive zone and transitioning to the neutral zone or in some cases, transitioning to the offensive zone.
• Carry – “Carry” represents a controlled exit with a player carrying (controlling) the puck out of the defensive zone.
• Pass – “Pass” represents defensive zone exist attempts where a player-to-player pass was attempted within the defensive zone or to a player outside the defensive zone.

METHODOLOGY
The charting effort simply identifies each and every failed Capitals defensive zone exit attempt for the game. Each attempt to cross the defensive blue line was identified as “Carry” or “Pass”. Each failed attempt was identified by player number, with the results summarized period-by-period. These are charted in sequential order for the period.

DEFENSIVE ZONE “EXITS”
A total of 17 failed exits were charted for the game. The following presents the raw data charted and compiled, period by period.

First Period
The Caps were charted with seven failed defensive zone exit attempts in the first period. All were passing attempts. The Islanders led the Capitals 12-9 in shots.

Brett Connolly’s failed clearing pass attempt, the first attempt of the game, led to the Islanders first goal. Brooks Orpik’ failed clearing attempt would come on a Caps penalty kill, but would not cost the Caps on the scoreboard.

Second Period
The Capitals were charted for six failed defensive zone Exits for the middle frame. The Islanders led 14-8 in shots in the period and 26-17 after the second frame.

Lars Eller’s failed exit attempt came on a Capitals penalty kill. John Carlson’s failed exit attempt came during a Capitals power play.

Third Period
It’s interesting to note that the Capitals had a decisive lead for a majority of the third period, and thus playing a more defensive style of game (prevent defense) as the period went on, yet failed defensive zone exit attempts improved for the period.

The Islanders led 12-5 in shots for the third period.

EXTRA POINTS
Again, this is just a one game sample and will need additional data to begin refining trends and characteristics, however, a few specific game-related points can be ascertained:

• The Capitals were outshot 38-22 for the game.
• Michal Kempny had a good game, and led all defensemen with no failed defensive zone exits attempts.
• Dmitry Orlov (4) and Jakub Jerebek (4) led all defensemen in failed defensive zone clearing attempts.

NEXT STEPS
Our next zone transition analysis piece will build on this first two data collection efforts, and take a look at the results of zone transitions. In other words, what was the result of each particular zone transition? (continued possession, turnover, or other). The analysis will also look at better defining game characteristics (score, time, players, power plays/penalty kills, etc.) associated with each of the zone transitions. Additionally, our goal is to continue building unique data sets for use with future assessments.

By Jon Sorensen