The NHL playoffs are a grueling battle, and the importance of key players cannot be overstated. One injury can change the entire course of a team’s season, and possibly even their championship aspirations. In this blog post, we’ll explore the impact of injuries on NHL playoff races and discuss some of the biggest playoff injuries in NHL history.
Wins Above Replacement and Its Effect on Teams
One of the most significant metrics used to measure a player’s value is Wins Above Replacement (WAR). WAR measures a player’s value over a replacement-level player and is a useful tool for evaluating a team’s performance. When a key player goes down with an injury, their replacement player may not have the same value, leading to a decrease in WAR.
The Loss of a Starting Goalie
In hockey, the starting goalie is often the backbone of a team’s defense. If a team’s starting goalie goes down with an injury, it can be a catastrophic blow to their championship aspirations. Losing a starting goalie means relying on an untested backup, and this can lead to a team struggling to maintain their form.
Number of Games Lost to Injuries Each Season
Injuries are an unfortunate reality of any sport, and the NHL is no exception. According to a study conducted by the Society of Sports Therapists, the average number of games lost to injury each season in the NHL is approximately 4,900. This number is significant, and it underscores the importance of having a deep bench and a robust injury prevention program.
5 Biggest Playoff Injuries in NHL History
Bobby Orr – Boston Bruins (1972) Bobby Orr is one of the most iconic players in NHL history, and his injury during the 1972 playoffs had a significant impact on the Boston Bruins. Orr injured his knee in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, and the Bruins went on to lose the series in seven games. Without Orr’s presence on the ice, the Bruins struggled to maintain their form, and they were unable to overcome their opponents.
Steve Yzerman – Detroit Red Wings (2002) Steve Yzerman is a legend in Detroit, and his injury during the 2002 playoffs was a significant blow to the Red Wings. Yzerman suffered a knee injury in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, but he returned for Game 6 to help lead the team to a victory. Despite Yzerman’s heroics, the Red Wings ultimately lost in the Stanley Cup Final to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Sidney Crosby – Pittsburgh Penguins (2011) Sidney Crosby is one of the most talented players in NHL history, and his injury during the 2011 playoffs was a significant blow to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby suffered a concussion in the second round of the playoffs and was forced to miss the remainder of the postseason. Without Crosby’s presence on the ice, the Penguins struggled to maintain their form, and they were unable to overcome their opponents.
Peter Forsberg – Colorado Avalanche (2001) Peter Forsberg was a dominant force in the NHL, and his injury during the 2001 playoffs was a significant blow to the Colorado Avalanche. Forsberg suffered an ankle injury in the second round of the playoffs and was forced to miss the remainder of the postseason. Without Forsberg’s presence on the ice, the Avalanche struggled to maintain their form, and they were unable to overcome their opponents.
Chris Pronger – Philadelphia Flyers (2011) Chris Pronger was a dominant defenseman in the NHL, and his injury during the 2011 playoffs was a significant blow to the Philadelphia Flyers. Pronger suffered a hand injury in the first round of the playoffs and was forced to miss the remainder of the postseason. Without Pronger’s presence on the ice, the Flyers struggled to close out the series.
