An analysis of tied-game strategy in ice hockey and association football

Abstract

We investigate whether the scoring rates in tied games differ in ice hockey and association football, and we look at whether these rates increase in association football (when teams can go all out for a win) and ice hockey (where teams can hold on for a tie). Data from the North American top-flight ice hockey league (National Hockey League) and the Italian top-flight football league (Serie A) are analyzed to determine whether scoring rates depend on the time remaining and, if so, how that change in scoring rates differs between the two sports.