The Stats Behind The Game: Canucks 6, Senators 3
A look at some of the analytics from the Canucks 6-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators.
Photo by Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports - The Stats Behind The Game: Canucks 6, Senators 3Welcome 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 6-3 win over the Ottawa Senators.
Despite being heavily outshot, the analytics show that this was a game Vancouver deserved to win. At even strength, the Canucks finished the night with a 27-21 scoring chance advantage and won the high-danger scoring chance battle 15-12. They also had an xGF% of 54.72% and outscored Ottawa 5-3 at even strength.
It is fair to question how a team that was outshot by 13 at even strength won the analytics battle. The easiest way to explain this is by using the heatmap. While the Senators were able to produce a large number of shots, most came from low-danger areas like the blue line or along the boards. When Ottawa did get close to the net, it resulted in goals, but those opportunities only really presented themselves in the third period.
Arguably, the best skater for Vancouver against the Senators was Pius Suter. The Canucks center played 15:45 at even strength and recorded two goals and a primary assist. He also led the team in shots with five and was tied for the team lead in takeaways with two and individual high-danger chances with three. As for his effect on the team, Vancouver outscored Ottawa 4-0 when he was on the ice and had a 6-0 high-danger chances advantage. He has been superb since returning from injury and is a difference-maker regardless of where he plays in the lineup.
Lastly, this was one of Elias Pettersson's best games this season. Scoring twice, he finished the night with four even-strength shots, two takeaways and created two rebounds. Finishing the night with an xGF% of 78.58, it is safe to say EP40 started 2024 off on the right foot.
Make sure to check back after the game against the St. Louis Blues for another edition of "The Stats Behind The Game."
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