The Stats Behind The Game: Canucks 5, Devils 6

A look at some of the analytics from the Canucks 6-5 loss to the Devils

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 6-5 loss to the New Jersey Devils. 

Overall, the analytics showed that neither team played well defensively in this game. At even strength, the Devils led in scoring chances created 24-22, while the team was tied in high-danger scoring chances created at 12-12. The analytics also confirmed that while the score was high, both goaltenders played well, doing everything they could to keep their teams in the game for as long as possible. 

The biggest red flag from this game was the Canucks inability to box out in front of their own net. The Devils finished the game with an average shot distance of 24.56, with all but one of their goals coming from below the faceoff dots. As you can see in the photo below, the Devils were able to get to high-danger chances with ease and create havoc in front of Thatcher Demko. This is an area they need to work on, as this type of defensive play will make life extremely difficult for their goaltenders. 

Arguably, the biggest positive to come out of this game for Vancouver was the chemistry between Nils Höglander, J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser. The trio, which was put together in the third period, finished the game with a team-high xGF of 0.95 and created a 4-0 advantage in high-hanger chances. They also were able to produce two goals while playing 5:28 together. The hope is head coach Rick Tocchet has finally found a stable winger to play next to Boeser and Miller and that this line can build off their strong game if kept together over the next few weeks. 

To wrap things up, this was a bad game for Andrei Kuzmenko. He only played 9:28 of even-strength ice time, yet was on the ice for three goals against. The Canucks were outshot 14-2 while he was playing and finished the night with an xGF% of 11.57. After yet another game where he was stapled to the bench in the third, questions need to be asked about whether or not he has a future in Vancouver. 

Make sure to check back Friday after the game against the Minnesota Wild for another edition of "The Stats Behind The Game."