The blueprint's becoming more and more obvious: Own the puck and a Stanley Cup may follow.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are champions for the fourth time in franchise history and they were crowned on account of their speed and puck-possession skills:
Past five Cup champions' rankings in score-adjusted Corsi: 2nd, 3rd, 1st, 2nd, 2nd. Tough for even greatest skeptics not to see correlation.
— Matt Larkin (@THNMattLarkin) June 13, 2016
Pittburgh's 53 percent score-adjusted Corsi For rating at five on five in the regular season trailed only the Los Angeles Kings' 56.8 percent rating. And the Kings have certainly proven over the years that owning the puck correlates into success.
The Penguins finished the playoffs with a 51.6 percent score-adjusted Corsi For rating, which officially ranks fifth behind Florida, Dallas, Chicago, and the New York Rangers. The Panthers, though, played only six games, while the Blackhawks played seven, and the Blueshirts five. The Stars played 13 times, while the Penguins wrapped up their championship in 24 games.
Pittsburgh scored a playoffs-best 42 goals at even strength, while allowing 34. The San Jose Sharks finished the playoffs with a 50.7 percent score-adjusted Corsi For rating at even strength, and had the best goal differential at five on five, at plus-14.
(Statistics courtesy: War on Ice)
