Ice Tilt, a metric from the NHL and AWS, uses NHL EDGE tech to track territorial advantage, quantifying “momentum.”
Ice Tilt measures team’s Time with Tilt, gauging pressure rather than just puck location. Details on calculation are available elsewhere.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Rangers game reveals changes from last season. In 2023-24, Rangers were top, Leafs controlled games more.
Last season’s Ice Tilt rankings showed Rangers as mid-pack with strong goaltending.
Leafs were just outside top five. Ice Tilt often correlates with team success.
Stanley Cup champion Florida was third in “Time with Tilt.”
Western Conference champion Oilers were second.
Top 10 teams averaged over 30 minutes of “Time with Tilt,” indicating play control.
11 of 16 playoff teams controlled Tilt. Only one of the five non-controlling teams advanced past Round 1.
Controlling play is beneficial, concerning for Leafs and Rangers fans this season. Current “Time with Tilt” graph is below.
Leafs’ change is stylistic, shifting from puck possession to north-south play.
Previous possession strategy didn’t work against top playoff teams.
Under Craig Berube, Leafs aim for north-south style, reducing high danger chances against. Rushes against improved from 18th to 8th.
Toronto improved to fifth in forecheck chances, gaining high danger looks without high possession.
Playoff success of this style against teams like Florida and Tampa Bay is uncertain. Previous strategy was ineffective, so change may help.
Leafs recently dominated Calgary with dump and chase, achieving Time with Tilt. Rangers game is favorable as they are bottom-10 in first period Tilt.
Leafs are slightly better than Rangers in starting games. Rangers game is good opportunity after facing a strong Avalanche team.
Ice Tilt also tracks “time with significant tilt” – sustained pressure in opposition’s D-zone.
Top teams average about a minute per game of “significant tilt.” Leafs are in top half with 0:54 seconds per period.
Good teams dominate “significant Tilt.” Chasing games can inflate this metric.
Nashville and Pittsburgh’s “significant tilt” may suggest they are better than perceived.
Capitals and Kings are low in “significant tilt.” Potentially always protecting leads or less dominant than records show.
Ice Tilt confirms Leafs’ changed play style, increasing defensive pressure. Playoff Ice Tilt will show if changes and additions improve play control.
