Defenseman Johnny Boychuk slid across the ice to break up a Penguins’ two-on-one rush on Thursday night at Barclays Center. Later, when Islanders coach Barry Trotz and his staff analyzed the 3-2 shootout win, that was counted a scoring chance against them even though no shot was taken.
As far as Trotz is concerned, the shots on goal statistic might be the NHL’s dodo bird. He has a Stanley Cup with the Capitals last season to confirm that it’s the quality of the scoring chances – specifically “high-danger chances” – not the quantity of shots that determine a team’s success.