The Washington Capitals announced Saturday that the team has hired Tim Barnes as an analytics consultant.

Barnes' claim to fame is actually under an online pseudonym: Vic Ferrari.

As author of the web site Irreverent Oiler Fans, Barnes established a reputation as one of the fore-runners hockey analytics.

Between 2006 and 2008, "Ferrari" helped establish some of hockey's most important advanced statistical metrics including Corsi, Fenwick and PDO.

The Capitals' hiring of Barnes comes after a wave of advanced stats hirings by NHL clubs, including the Toronto Maple Leafs bringing in former Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds GM Kyle Dubas and the Edmonton Oilers' hiring of Tyler Dellow (best known as hockey tweeter @mc79hockey).

"Tim is very experienced and well regarded in that field and will be a valuable asset to our organization,” said Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan.