Plus-minus

Plus-minus

Plus–minus (+/−) is an ice hockey statistic that measures a player's goal differential. With the exclusion of penalty shot goals, when an even-strength or shorthanded goal is scored, the plus–minus statistic is increased by one ("plus") for those players on the ice for the team scoring the goal; the plus–minus statistic is decreased by one ("minus") for those players on the ice for the team allowing the goal. The plus–minus statistic is not affected by power play goals. Also, whether or not the net is empty does not matter for purposes of plus–minus.

The statistic is sometimes called the plus–minus ratio even though it is a difference, not a ratio. It is also sometimes referred to as plus–minus rating although this is inaccurate as well.

A player's plus–minus statistic can be calculated for a single game, for the season or for the career. For instance, if a player enters a game with a season total plus–minus of −8, then accumulates a statistic of +3 for a single game, the season total will change to a −5.

Plus–minus is mainly used to measure defenders and forwards who play a defensive role since offensive forwards are better measured by scoring statistics such as goals and assists. It is directly affected by team performance, thus accurate comparisons can only be made by taking into consideration both the offensive and defensive performance of the team as a whole.