| abstract | - Plus-minus is a statistic that measures the team goal differential when a specific player is on the ice. Players' plus-minus stats get increased by one every time their team scores an even strength or shorthanded goal while they are on the ice. Their plus-minus is decreased by one every time their team allows an even strength or shorthanded goal while they are on the ice (whether or not the net is empty does not matter for purposes of plus-minus). The plus-minus is never affected when a power play goal is scored by either team. 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. For example, a skilled player could be placed on a line with other, less skilled players which may cause his/her plus-minus to be lower than usual even though the player's individual performance may be just as good as before (or perhaps even better). A player's plus-minus statistic can be calculated for a single game or for the season as a whole. 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 the defensive performances of the team as a whole.
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