Cliché Check

Veterans always win the close games

Older rosters do not win more one-goal games – in the Swiss National League they win slightly fewer.

Data through 2025/26

Myth

NL Data through 2025/26 · NL

Oldest third: close-game win %

48.2%

Youngest third: close-game win %

51.6%

What the data says

NL 2023/24–2025/26, 42 team-seasons (ice-time-weighted skater age): the oldest third (29.6 years) won 48.2% of one-goal and overtime games; the youngest third (27.7) won 51.6%.
Correlation between roster age and close-game win rate: −0.17. Swedish leagues lack the age data needed for this test.

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