Why was the WHL so high-scoring this year?

[NightBlazer]

Traditionally the dub is known as the most defensive, low-scoring league in the CHL. This year though it was most high-scoring by far, with 8 100-point players, and a few others getting really close; including Bartschi who missed 25 games.

Is it just because the league is generating more offensive talent? RNH was the first 1st overall from the dub in a long time, Sam Reinhart could be a 1st overall, and there's other talents as well such as Lazar, Forsberg, etc, etc.,

Or is there another reason why the once low-scoring dub is now a pretty high-scoring league; besides an influx in talent?

And if the league is generating a lot more offensive talent, is there a chance that it will come to challenge the OHL, when it comes to producing top offensive talent?

[Pick Six]

Originally Posted by NightBlazer

Traditionally the dub is known as the most defensive, low-scoring league in the CHL. This year though it was most high-scoring by far, with 8 100-point players, and a few others getting really close; including Bartschi who missed 25 games.

Is it just because the league is generating more offensive talent? RNH was the first 1st overall from the dub in a long time, Sam Reinhart could be a 1st overall, and there's other talents as well such as Lazar, Forsberg, etc, etc.,

Or is there another reason why the once low-scoring dub is now a pretty high-scoring league; besides an influx in talent?

And if the league is generating a lot more offensive talent, is there a chance that it will come to challenge the OHL, when it comes to producing top offensive talent?

I really don't think they come close. The OHL does a great job at producing high-end local talent, but they also do a great job at attracting talent, be it overseas or across the boarder.

That being said, I have no clue why scoring is high in the WHL, I've been wondering the same thing. It definitely isn't in the OHL (though not due to lack of talent).

[rick3652]

Originally Posted by Pick Six

I really don't think they come close. The OHL does a great job at producing high-end local talent, but they also do a great job at attracting talent, be it overseas or across the boarder.

That being said, I have no clue why scoring is high in the WHL, I've been wondering the same thing. It definitely isn't in the OHL (though not due to lack of talent).

the WHL has been higher for the last few years. Last year the Quebec league was the highest then the WHL then the OHL. The OHL is the lowest scoring league the last few years. Maybe because they have better Goalies overall. Each team has a good goalie. Also they play 72 games and the other only play 68 games so 6% more games.

[Doomsday Device]

It was likely just a fluke to have the 8 100-point scorers. The league as whole scored at almost the exact same rate as last season and there were significantly fewer 80 70 and 60 point scorers this season. It was probably just a part of normal year to year variation.

2011-12
3.37 goals per game
21 80 pt scorers
34 70 pt scorers
49 60 pt scorers

2010-11
3.38 goals per game
28 80 pt scorers
45 70 pt scorers
67 60 pt scorers

[leafsfuture]

Its not that the WHL is so high scoring, its that scoring in the OHL has dropped off completely. 4 straight years now in the OHL where the leagues leading scorer has under 107 points or less. I think Johhny T left a curse on the O so that no one would be able to touch his 72 goals ever again

[DangerMan]

Hockey is cyclical. I wouldn't look much into it other than the fact the West is creating more scorers and less goaltenders and Dmen this year. In 5 years, we'll be asking why the Dub scores so little again.