The Stats Behind The Game: Canucks 2, Coyotes 1
A look at some of the analytics from the Canucks 2-1 victory over the Arizona Coyotes.
Photo by Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports - The Stats Behind The Game: Canucks 2, Coyotes 1Welcome to this edition of "The Stats Behind The Game." This recurring deep dive breaks down the analytics behind each Vancouver Canucks game as recorded by Natural Stat Trick. In this article, we look back on the Canucks most recent 2-1 win over the Arizona Coyotes.
From an analytics perspective, this may have been Vancouver's best defensive game this season. At even-strength, they limited the Coyotes to 16 scoring chances while only allowing five total high-danger scoring chances. For reference, the five total high-danger scoring chances against is tied for the lowest this season, with the other coming in wins versus the Ottawa Senators and Seattle Kraken.
The heatmap is an excellent illustration of just how strong the Canucks were in their own end. Arizona was unable to get any sustained pressure in front of the net, with the majority of their chances coming from around the faceoff dot. This was also evident in Thatcher Demko's statistics, as Vancouver's goaltender only faced three high-danger shots all night compared to six faced by Connor Ingram at even strength.
As for the Canucks offence, they once again carried a lead into the third period and then went into cruise control over the final 20 minutes. They still were able to produce three even-strength high-danger chances in the third but spent the majority of the period playing keep away or carrying the puck out and dumping it in the Coyotes' zone. While it may not be the most exciting thing to watch, it proved effective and allowed Vancouver to walk away with the victory.
Lastly, let's break down Dakota Joshua's analytics from the game. On top of scoring the game-winning goal, the Canucks won the high-danger scoring chance battle 3-1 while he was on the ice. In 13:16 of even-strength ice time, he finished second on the team with an xGF% of 80.56 while leading Vancouver with two individual high-danger chances created. A pending unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, it would be wise for the Canucks to make a long-term commitment as he has been one of the team's unsung heroes this season.
Ensure to check back after the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs for another edition of "The Stats Behind The Game."
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