The Stats Behind The Game: Canucks 3, Sharks 1

A look at some of the analytics from the Canucks 3-1 victory over the Sharks.

Welcome 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 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. 

Based on the analytics, it is easy to see why the Canucks won this game. Not only did they out chance the Sharks 32-21, but they also won the expected goals for battle, posting a 55.33 xGF% during the 47:32 played at even strength. The only surprising metric that came out of the even-strength numbers was that the Sharks created one more high-danger scoring chance than Vancouver did, but overall, the numbers indicate it was a solid night for the Canucks at both ends of the ice. 

As for individual analytics, one player that stood out for all the right reasons was Thatcher Demko. Of the 28 shots he faced, 16 were classified as either high or medium-danger shots, with him stopping all but one, which came on the power play. While the eye test would lead people to believe it wasn't an overly difficult night for the Canucks keeper, he ended the game with a 3.16 expected goals, showing that once again, he was able to bail out his team at times en route to a victory. 

As for the skaters, it was a trio that was put together late in the game that impressed. The line of Anthony Beauvillier, J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser showed they had some chemistry despite only playing 3:10 together at five-on-five. During those three-plus minutes, they created three high-danger chances compared to zero given up, outshot the Sharks four to three and scored the insurance marker seven minutes into the third. While Phillip Di Giuseppe has been better than advertised while playing on this line, it may be worth keeping this new-look second line together for a few games to see if they have legitimate long-term chemistry. 

Lastly, one player who deserves some credit for having a strong game from an analytical point of view is Noah Juulsen. In 14:43 of total ice time, the Canucks defenceman finished the night with one takeaway, two hits, three shot blocks and an xGF% of 77.09%. Playing most of the night beside Ian Cole, the duo was able to limit the Sharks to just three shots in 11:52 of even-strength ice time. A player who has faced criticism for his play to start the season, the hope is he can continue to perform at a high level and become a valuable piece of Vancouver's blueline. 

Overall, the analytics showed that the Canucks were the better team and deserved to win this game. There were some areas of concern, like the power play, but Vancouver was able to make up for those weak points with solid play at even strength. Make sure to check back Thursday after the game against the Colorado Avalanche for another edition of "The Stats Behind The Game."