NHL Metrics: Learn How Corsi Works

If you want to take your NHL betting up a notch, you need to consider advanced statistics, such as Corsi. After all, advanced metrics can make all the difference when it comes to betting on hockey.

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One of the most popular advanced statistics is Corsi and we want to explain how Corsi can impact your NHL betting experience. Without further ado, let’s dive into our NHL Corsi guide.

How Does Corsi Work in Hockey?

Corsi is a metric used to measure shot attempt differential while at even strength play. Taking shot attempts, missed shots and blocked shots into consideration, the stat’s main objective is to track shot differential and possession in the offensive zone.

The advanced metric considers both offensive and defensive actions, meaning there are stats for Corsi For (CF) and Corsi Against (CA). Essentially, it’s a plus/minus tracker for shots.

Not only can you use Corsi for teams, but you can also use Corsi for individual players. This helps to give us a greater understanding of how teams and players perform in certain areas.

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How to Calculate Corsi

There are three main Corsi calculations you need to know about – Corsi For, Corsi Against and Corsi.

Here are the formulas:

Corsi For (CF) = Shot attempts for at even strength: Shots + Blocks + Misses

Corsi Against (CA) = Shot attempts against at even strength: Shots + Blocks + Misses

Corsi (C) = CF – CA

For CF, you add together shots, blocks and misses. For CA, you add together shots against, blocks against and misses against. You can then calculate Corsi by subtracting CA from CF.

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How Can NHL Bettors Utilize Corsi?

Corsi can help bettors identify players who are impactful at both ends of the ice. A player with a CF of below 50% will likely be making a net negative contribution to puck possession. On the flip side, a player with a CF of over 50% is strong in the offensive zone.

It is also worth noting that a high Corsi typically has a positive correlation with points/60, meaning many of the best scorers in the NHL also have strong Corsi ratings.

Similarly, team Corsi numbers are positively correlated to wins. Teams with the best CF% generally reach the postseason and perform well in the playoffs, while teams with lower CF% often fall short.

On top of that, Corsi is arguably the best approximation for puck possession. Analytic studies have
shown that puck possession is an excellent predictor of future success, meaning you can use Corsi to aid your NHL predictions.

There are tons of different hockey betting markets out there, including moneylines, totals, spreads, handicaps, props, NHL player props and futures. Bettors can utilize Corsi numbers to aid all these markets, so be sure to consider Corsi when you bet on the NHL.

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Josh Bates
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