Through Game 6 of the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals, hockey commentators made a huge deal of home ice advantage. So, I wanted to see how much of a difference it could have made through the playoffs. The pattern is set up as a typical playoff bracket - the Western Conference is on the left and the Eastern is on the right. From the conference quarterfinals to the finals, each burgundy circle represents a win for the home team of the game, and each teal one, a loss. The larger pie chart at the top shows the percentage of home ice wins and losses through the entire playoffs; the smaller chart shows home ice wins and losses for the Stanley Cup champions (the Penguins!) only.

To compare, the home ice advantage for the 2008, 2007, and 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

I also wanted to know if there was a big difference from sport to sport. So, I mapped out the 2009 NBA Playoffs in the same manner. Again, the Western Conference is on the left and the Eastern is on the right.

And the 2008, 2007, and 2006 NBA Playoffs.

Because the playoffs are set up differently in baseball, I modified the system slightly. Above, the home field advantage for the 2009 World Series. The American League is on the left and the National League is on the right.

And the 2008, 2007, and 2006 World Series.