Analytics with Alison: Larsson's Offensive Side Shows Up

To be a player in the NHL, you already have high-end skill, but sometimes a player's efforts demand that you take notice of what they are doing in a game. Such was the case for Adam Larsson on Wednesday, in Calgary.

Known primarily for his defensive ability, against the Flames the 29-year-old Swede was noticeable in the offensive zone. Larsson tied for the team lead in shot attempts (4, in all situations) while, according to NaturalStatTrick.com, also leading in individual scoring chances (3).
And, of course, he scored a goal.

So, what went into Larsson's performance, and a more active defense in general?
Let's dig in,
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In case you thought your eyes may have been deceiving you when you noticed Larsson so frequently, we can take a look at the numbers, bundled by GEICO. A quick check of Larsson's
Game Score
from the April 12 matchup (2.54) was not only the defender's second highest of the season, it was also the best score of any Kraken player that game and second only to Matthew Tkachuk among both teams' rosters.
Why? Let's first look at Larsson's goal again. Note the location of his shot.

Now let's look at what Dave Hakstol had asked all his players to do going into the game based on the fact the two teams had played just three days prior.
"We've had more activity out of our D especially over the last couple weeks," Hakstol said. "There's some space to get inside (in Calgary's zone). We wanted to be able to do that, and sometimes it's a forward that can jump into that space. Other times, if you don't have a forward available… you need a D to fill and get into that space in the middle."
Here's a look at the Flames' defense from this season thanks to HockeyViz.com. Blue marks the area where shots are allowed at a rate below league average, while red identifies softer spots where shots are taken by opponents at a rate higher than league average.

Calgary's ability to suppress opponents is stout to be sure, but there is a spot - right at the top of the circles and slot - where teams can get some shots off at a rate higher than normal.
It's something Hakstol wanted his players to do, and they did - even if they were a defenseman like Larsson, or, another player the head coach singled out: Carson Soucy.
Here's where Larsson's shot attempts came from against the Flames.

Larsson seemed to be taking advantage of that area where Calgary lets shots get through.

It's worth noting as well that Larsson did sink lower in the zone for his offensive chances than he has most of this season. Here's a look at all of the defenseman's unblocked shot attempts in 5-on-5 play.

Of course, ultimately, it wasn't enough, and the Kraken fell to the Flames 5-3, but there was still a noticeable effort from Larsson and an adjustment in his play that suited an identified area of opportunity versus Calgary. And that netted at least one goal for Seattle and more than a few chances generated from a strong performance by the blueliner.
"Lars (jumped into available space) pretty well tonight, as did some of our other D," Hakstol said. "From that area on passouts, the looks and the chances were there."