What can we learn from the new data included in the NHL Edge release?

For the past three seasons, the NHL has been using computer chips attached to pucks and player jerseys to collect data, with the intention of distributing it to teams, broadcasters, and recently, even fans to add an extra level of statistical detail to how they engaged with the game.

About a month ago, the NHL finally made this possible with the launch of its NHL Edge website which houses this data.

Many responded to this proliferation of data with brief excitement before it faded to the usual disappointment. For starters, you only get “<50th percentile” for the bottom half of the league in any given category, reportedly so as to spare the feelings of the players in that range. The interface is such that you can't even access any tables or sortable lists that would make it possible to actual