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Saturday was a rough day for the advanced stats advocates, or the “analytic nerds,” as Edmonton Oilers coach Todd McLellan called them.

McLellan used that term in his defence of Oilers defenceman Kris Russell, who scored into his own goal to cost his team a win, Thursday.

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Like Russell, the Jets’ Matt Hendricks is a target of those who point to his shortcomings when it comes to advanced stats.

“You just can’t compare apples and oranges,” Jets coach Paul Maurice began, when asked what his fourth-line centre brings to the table that statistics don’t show. “And a hockey team has to have both. You can’t win with only one style of player.

“Corsi doesn’t tell you everything. Or anything, possibly.”

Hendricks scored his third goal of the season in Winnipeg’s 7-4 win over Las Vegas, Friday, after getting cut on his face by a skate blade.

“He’s done that everywhere he’s been since his first time in the NHL,” Maurice said. “There wouldn’t be a guy in that room who wouldn’t be able to tell you how important Matt’s role is and what he’s done for our team.

“Because of that… we’re hopeful that all the other players in that role see a value to what they do, above and beyond the stats, the goals and assists.”