An analysis of National Hockey League face-offs: Implications for the home advantage

摘要

The primary purpose was to determine if there is a home advantage in face-offs in the National Hockey League (NHL) and, if so, whether it is related to home team performance success. A secondary purpose was to examine for a possible home advantage in shootouts. Data from the 2006-2007 NHL season (1228 games) were used. The overall home winning percentage in regulation/overtime was 56.0% (n =1074 wins) and in shootouts, 47.1% (n =153 wins). Home teams enjoyed a home advantage in face-off success, winning 52.3%, 52.1%, and 51.4% in the offensive, defensive, and neutral zones, respectively. For all three zones combined, home teams won 51.9%. Face-off success was not related to home team wins (p > .05).