from Mike DeFabo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette,

However, behind the curtain, each NHL team will get what SMT is calling a “fire hose of data.” Players will produce 200 data points a second and the puck will register 2,000 data points a second. More than the sheer quantity of data, it’s the type of information that’s exciting for Ventura.

“The data that's currently available publicly really focuses on specific events that happen on the ice,” Ventura said. “A shot. A hit. A faceoff. Things like that.

“This data is fundamentally different. Instead of just looking at specific events, it's giving you the locations and the trajectories of all players on the ice and the puck, at every moment in time. It lets you look at things that you would never even be able to begin to explore with data otherwise, things like positioning of defensemen and goalies, how much space is being created by particular players.”

By accessing player locations, NHL analysts who can get their hands on this information will be able to refine and create some new metrics.

For example, by registering where each player is on the ice for a shot or pass, advanced stats like “expected goals” might be improved. Passing stats, which are not currently tracked by the NHL, will be calculated in new and different ways. By measuring distance between players, the concept of gap control could be analyzed like never before. The impact of a net-front screen can be quantified, and blocked shots can be studied to add some science to some of the most fundamental elements of the game.

more, with a bit of a Penguins slant...