Lies, Darned Lies, and Statistics?

The phrase (ok, it's been slightly modified to protect the younger readers) refers to the persuasive power of numbers, the use of statistics to bolster weak arguments, and the tendency of people to disparage statistics that do not support their positions.

Whether that's the case or not here is up to you to decide, but here are some interesting statistics regarding the Sioux and Gophers, who face-off in the 1st round of the Squirt tournament this Friday evening in Hastings.


In their last 6 games the Sioux are 1-4-1 averaging 2.33 goals per game while allowing an average of 3 goals per game.

The Gophers are 5-1-0 averaging 4.33 goals per game with a team Goals Against Average of 2.5.

The Gophers have a 3-0 record against the Sioux this season and the average score of those games has been 4.67- 2.33

The Gophers had a 6 game unbeaten streak from 11/23 through New Years Day outscoring their opponents 25-9.

The Sioux's longest consecutive win streak of the season was 3 games which were also the first 3 games of the season. (Before playing the Gophers in week 4!)

From 1/11 - 2/22:
The Sioux were 0-5-2 and averaged 1.6 goals per game.
The Gophers were 6-1-0 and averaged 5 goals per game.

The Sioux scored a total of 3 goals in 3 games against the Wolverines this season.
The Gophers scored 10 times in their first 3 games against the Wolverines this season.

The Gophers were 2-0-1 against the Pioneers, outscoring them 11-6.
The Sioux were 2-2 against the Pioneers, with scoring between them even at 11-11.

The Sioux scored only once or not at all in 5 games this season.
The Gophers were shutout one time, but scored 3 or more goals in every other game this season except one, and they tied that game 2-2.

The Gophers are 6-2-1 in games following a win.
The Sioux are 1-3-3 in games following a loss.
In games following a loss, Jake and the Gophers are undefeated at 4-0 with a stifling 1.75 GAA and have gotten goal support to the tune of a whopping 5.75 scores per game.

Do these statistics guarantee a victory against the Sioux in the 1st round of the Hastings Squirt Tournament this Friday?


Ask anybody who watched the 1980 Winter Olympic medal round matchup between the 100-1 underdog USA and the USSR...