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Having covered on-ice shooting and save percentages aleady, the next step is to look at the biggest variance in individual NHL player shooting percentages this season. While it might be easy enough to accept the notion that its difficult for a player to affect on-ice shooting or save percentages, because they are heavily-dependent on other players, its another matter entirely to accept the premise that an NHL player doesnt necessrily have a significant impact on his own shooting percentage in a given season. For one thing, as much as it might be convenient for viewrs, a single season isnt enough to capture a players true shooting ability, which means there is a high degree of variance possible. This variance is important, particularly in terms of perception, because its how players end up having career years. When Brett Hull scored 86 goals in 1990-1991, he finished a career-high 22.1% of all of his shots; 65 goals for Alex Ovechkin in 2007-2008? Scored on a career-high 14.6% of all of his shots. Teemu Selannes 76-goal rookie season came on 19.6% shooting, the best of his career. This is how seasons go from good to great but, just as save percentage is wildly unpredictable for goaltenders from one year to the next, so too is shooting percentage for individual players. This is relevant because perception is widely based on goal-scoring. Goals determine winners and losers and are easy to identify, but the reason we pay attention to these outlier percentages is to have have some idea whats real and what isnt. Take Blues LW Alexander Steen, for example. Hes enjoying the best season of his career, with 33 goals and 60 points in 64 games. Hes a tremendous two-way player who has probably been underrated, but hes received more accolades this year because hes become a more prolific goal-scorer. Even though his scoring has slowed since an outrageous start to the year, when he scored 17 goals in 18 games, Steen ranks fifth in the league in goals per game, behind Steven Stamkos, Alex Ovechkin, Gustav Nyquist and Corey Perry. If Steen was finishing at his typical (5-on-5) rate, 8.87% over the previous five seasons coming into the year, that would knock 11 even-strength goals off his total and while 22 goals and 49 points in 64 games is a fine season, its not held in the same esteem as Steens 33-goal, 60-point season. When youve evaluating Steen going forward, is it fair to conclude that hes now the player who scores on 18.4% of his 5-on-5 shots, or is that departure from his established performance level essentially a fluke? There is a lot of randomness at play for a player to have his shooting percentage skyrocket, Steen (and his linemates -- David Backes and T.J. Oshie) deserve some credit because Steen is getting better quality shots than he has in previous seasons. Using Some Kind of Ninjas shot tracker, we can see that Steens average shooting distance, at even-strength, is 28.4 feet, his best of all years tracked since 2008-2009. So, getting shots 3-4 feet closer on average may account for some improvement, though most likely not enough to more than double his even-strength shooting percentage. Lets look at Nyquist, who had four goals in 40 NHL games entering this season and now has 28 goals in 51 games this year, virtually saving the Red Wings playoff chances. Even the most optimistic fan isnt going to expect Nyquist to keep scoring on more than 20% of his shots, simply because no one does. This isnt to rain on Nyquists current goal parade, because its awesome, but if we reasonably think that Nyquist might be an above-average shooter (even, as high as 12%), then that would typically mean 12 goals at 5-on-5 instead of 21 -- that nine-goal difference would be massive for both Nyquist and the Red Wings. Its the kind of thing that no player needs to apologize for, but everyone must understand that these runs will end and regression will bring a player closer to his real skill level. That can still be very good, just not necessarily the out-of-this-world pace that Nyquist is keeping now. By the same token, how many times do you hear a player, mired in a slump, say that they feel okay as long as they are getting their chances? Its cliche, but utterly true. Sure, this player might be snakebitten for 10 games, 20 games, even a whole season, but if there is an established level of being able to score, there have to be extreme reasons for that player to suddenly and dramatically lose that skill. If youre looking for bounceback players going into next season, then, consider some of those that saw their shooting percentages crash this year and, by contrast, you might consider selling high on those players that finished at an abnormally high rate this season. Below, youll see players that have the widest differentials in their previously-established 5-on-5 shooting percentages compared to their results this season. My thanks to stats.hockeyanalysis.com for the data. HIGH INDIVIDUAL SHOOTING PERCENTAGE (min. 10 5-on-5 goals in 2013-2014) Alexander Steen, LW, St. Louis 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 8.87 2013-14 5-on-5 SH%: 18.40 Difference: +9.53 Joe Pavelski, C, San Jose 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 8.19 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 16.80 Difference: +8.61 Ryan OReilly, LW, Colorado 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 6.98 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 15.13 Difference: +8.15 Joel Ward, RW, Washington 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 6.67 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 14.44 Difference: +7.77 Ryan Getzlaf, C, Anaheim 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 10.42 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 17.32 Difference: +6.90 Nick Foligno, LW, Columbus 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 7.89 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 14.74 Difference: +6.85 Artem Anisimov, C, Columbus 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 9.83 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 15.38 Difference: +6.45 Frans Nielsen, C, N.Y. Islanders 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 8.89 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 14.89 Difference: +6.00 Valtteri Filppula, C, Tampa Bay 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 11.96 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 17.20 Difference: +5.24 (Honourable mention to Nashvilles Nick Spaling, who has nine 5-on-5 goals, but has seen 5-on-5 shooting percentage jump from 8.38% to 13.64% and San Joses Martin Havlat, who only has eight goals, but his SH% is up from 9.47% to 16.00%.) LOW INDIVIDUAL SHOOTING PERCENTAGE (forwards with min. 20 5-on-5 goals from 2007-2008 through 2012-2013) Matt DAgostini, RW, Buffalo 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 7.54 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 2.53 Difference: -5.01 Todd Bertuzzi, RW, Detroit 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 9.95 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 4.76 Difference: -5.19 Torrey Mitchell, RW, Buffalo 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 7.62 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 2.33 Difference: -5.29 Mathieu Perreault, C, Anaheim 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 21.90 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 16.46 Difference: -5.44 Kyle Brodziak, C, Minnesota 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 10.20 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 4.49 Difference: -5.71 Blake Comeau, RW, Columbus 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 9.66 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 3.49 Difference: -6.17 Ryan Malone, LW, Tampa Bay 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 11.90 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 5.66 Difference: -6.24 Tomas Fleischmann, LW, Florida 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 11.58 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 5.26 Difference: -6.32 Colin Wilson, LW, Nashville 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 14.02 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 7.59 Difference: -6.43 Steve Ott, C, St. Louis 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 9.82 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 3.33 Difference: -6.49 David Jones, RW, Calgary 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 13.92 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 6.67 Difference: -7.25 Steve Bernier, RW, New Jersey 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 9.78 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 2.41 Difference: -7.37 Shawn Horcoff, C, Dallas 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 9.69 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 2.04 Difference: -7.62 T.J. Galiardi, LW, Calgary 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 10.31 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 2.47 Difference: -7.84 Benoit Pouliot, N.Y. Rangers 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 13.46 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 4.81 Difference: -8.65 Alexandre Burrows, RW, Vancouver 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 12.77 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 4.11 Difference: -8.66 Martin Erat, LW, Phoenix 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 11.90 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 2.50 Difference: -9.40 Marcus Johansson, LW, Washington 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 14.47 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 3.03 Difference: -11.44 Ville Leino, LW, Buffalo 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 12.50 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 0.00 Difference: -12.50 Steve Downie, RW, Philadelphia 2007-2013 5-on-5 SH%: 13.00 2013-14 On-ice SH%: 0.00 Difference: -13.00 Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. Vapormax Herren Sale . The defeat leaves the 41-year-old Nestor to concentrate on the mixed-doubles event after winning 12 straight matches and winning Australian titles in Brisbane and Sydney with two different partners. "This was a little bit of a let down, but all credit to them," said Nestor. Vapormax Damen Schwarz Schweiz . Last years runner-up, Sara Errani, also reached the last eight in straight sets. Flipkens converted all four of her break points against Meusburger, and the third-seeded Errani broke Karin Knapps serve five times to win their all-Italian match 6-4, 6-3. http://www.vapormaxkaufenschweiz.com/ .com) - The Vancouver Canucks will try to win two straight games for the first time since mid-January on Monday night as they play host to the struggling New York Islanders. Nike Vapormax Herren Schweiz .J. - Trying to learn and absorb the new West Coast offence being installed by new offensive co-ordinator Ben McAdoo, the New York Giants wrapped their final organized team activity Thursday before a three-day mini-camp next week. Nike Vapormax Fake Kaufen . Players suspended during the season for a performance-enhancing drug violation will not be eligible for that years post-season. In addition, discipline will increase from 50 games to 80 for a first testing violation and from 100 games to a season-long 162 for a second. A third violation remains a lifetime ban.BALTIMORE -- California Chrome might abandon his Triple Crown bid if New York officials do not allow the colt to wear a nasal strip in the Belmont Stakes. Trainer Art Sherman made no threats about the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner passing on a chance to become horse racings 12th Triple Crown winner, but he suggested it was a possibility. "Id have to leave it up to the owners," he said Sunday. "I know theyll be upset." Neither the New York State Gaming Commission nor the New York Racing Association stewards has received a request to use nasal strips in the Belmont on June 7. "If a request to use nasal strips is made, the decision on whether to permit them or not will be fully evaluated and determined by the stewards," Gaming Commission spokesman Lee Park said Sunday. Among the Gaming Commissions rules governing Belmont Park is one that states: Only equipment specifically approved by the stewards shall be worn or carried by a jockey or a horse in a race. In a post on its Twitter feed, NYRA said: "We operate under the rules set forth by (at)NYSGamingCommission." California Chrome has worn a nasal strip during his current six-race winning streak after co-owner Perry Martin wanted to try it. Sherman is based in California and said he wasnt aware that using one in New York might be a problem. He said he would talk to New York racing officials and the horses owners. Some horses, like humans, wear nasal strips to assist breathing. The colt wears the strip only during races, not training. At 1 1/2 miles, the Belmont is the longest and most grueling of the three Triple Crown races. "I think it opens up his air passage and gives him that little extra oomph that he needs, especially going a mile and a half," Sherman said. "Anytime you can have a good air passage, that means a lot for these thoroughbreds." Sherman said Martin likes to try different products and the co-owner thought a nasal strip might benefit California Chrome. "This guy, Perry Martin, he might not run if they say you cant run with a nasal strip. Hes very funny about things like that," the trainer said. "I dont know why they would ban you from wearing one. Well have to cross that bridge when we get there." Other states allow nasal strips while racing, and even some jockeys wear them. "Its something nonmedical that ccan be beneficial to a workout or a race," California-based trainer Doug ONeill said by phone.dddddddddddd "If you think your horse could use some help with their nostrils, you do it." Two years ago, ONeill trained Ill Have Another to victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness with the colt wearing a nasal strip. New York officials told ONeill that his horse couldnt wear one in the Belmont. The issue became moot when Ill Have Another was scratched the day before the race because of a leg injury. "I cant imagine them being that ignorant that they would do that again," ONeill said. "New York has gotten a lot better with common sense. It seems like a more rational place now." NYRA has several new officials since 2012, including Martin Panza, the former racing secretary at now-closed Betfair Hollywood Park in California who now oversees racing operations at Belmont, Saratoga and Aqueduct. Sherman said California Chrome came out of Saturdays Preakness in good shape, emptying his feed tub after the race. The colt playfully nibbled on his leather shank outside the barn as his two front legs were washed off Sunday. A worker removed a poultice from each lower front leg, which had been applied under bandages as a precaution to protect the colts tendons. The nasal strip could prove insignificant, as did California Chromes cough that had no impact on his Preakness run. The colt has a small blister in his throat that caused him to cough last week, triggering rumours that he wouldnt run at Pimlico. Sherman thinks California Chrome will win the Triple Crown, something no horse has done since Affirmed in 1978. "I have a good feeling about it. Im really confident," he said. "They better have their running shoes on. I dont care how many fresh shooters they have. Hes the real McCoy." If California Chrome competes, the Belmont Stakes is shaping up as a possible 11-horse race, including two newcomers to the Triple Crown trail: Commissioner, sixth in the Arkansas Derby; and Tonalist, the Peter Pan Stakes winner. Other probables include the second- through fifth-place finishers in the Kentucky Derby: Commanding Curve, Danza, Wicked Strong and Samraat. Intense Holiday, 12th in the Derby, is on the list. Three Preakness runners could return: Ride On Curlin (second), Social Inclusion (third) and Kid Cruz (eighth). ' ' '