Score Effects

Why isn't the NHL a higher-scoring league?

On Monday night the New York Rangers eliminate the Carolina Hurricanes with a comprehensive 6-2 win in Game Seven.

With NYR leading handily late in the game, I note the contrast in facial expressions on the Rangers bench.

“NYR scores to make it 5-1. Players celebrate. Coaches look like they're being inconvenienced. Most of the coaches I've worked with do this. I don't really get it,” I tweet.

Part of pro hockey culture dictates that coaches should never get too high or too low when on the bench. Considering the circumstances, it also makes total sense that Rangers coaches would want to calm things down and prevent the out-of-hand scoreline from turning into a donnybrook.

Still, I wonder if it’s a mistake for them to not even acknowledge the positive event.

Jack Han @JhanHky

An important interpersonal principle is what I call "Relationship Corsi." Except you need way more positive events to negative ones to break even. Instead of 1:1, it's more like 2:1 or 3:1 to stay above water with your players/coworkers/spouse over time.

Jack Han @JhanHky

If you show neither positive or negative emotions with your players, you're wearing out your welcome. Celebrate the goals. Do it tastefully. But take the W. See your players do good things and tell them as often as possible.

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Loss aversion is a prominent principle in economics, one that profoundly influences how people experience hockey.