In modern hockey analytics, two stats often dominate puck possession debates: Corsi and Fenwick. Both aim to measure shot attempt differentials, but their nuances can impact how coaches, analysts, and fans interpret a team’s performance.
Understanding Corsi
Corsi measures all shot attempts — shots on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots — at even strength. The formula is simple: Shot Attempts For – Shot Attempts Against.
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Strength: Captures all offensive pressure, even if the puck never reaches the net.
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Limitation: Blocked shots can inflate totals without reflecting real scoring chances.
Breaking Down Fenwick
Fenwick is nearly identical to Corsi, but it excludes blocked shots. This makes it a closer proxy for Expected Goals (xG) and scoring opportunities.
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Strength: Better reflects unimpeded offensive pressure.
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Limitation: Ignores shot-blocking skill, which is an important defensive tactic.
Which One Better Reflects Puck Possession?
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If you want to understand overall territorial control, Corsi is your go-to — it measures every instance the puck is moved toward the net.
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If you’re focused on quality of offensive sequences, Fenwick edges out because it’s more closely tied to shots that actually have a chance of reaching the net.
Using Both Together
The best teams in the NHL often rank high in both Corsi For % (CF%) and Fenwick For % (FF%), but discrepancies between them can tell a story. A team with high Corsi but lower Fenwick might be over-reliant on point shots that get blocked — a tactical cue to push for more high-danger scoring chances.
Final Takeaway
Corsi and Fenwick aren’t rivals — they’re complementary tools. Coaches, scouts, and analysts gain the deepest insights when they use both alongside advanced metrics like PDO, RAPM, and zone entry success rates. Together, they help paint the full picture of puck possession, offensive structure, and game control.
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