Breaking Down What Has Gone Wrong For The Canucks Power Play Since The 2024 All-Star Game
The Canucks have a power play percentage of 15.1% over the past 19 games.
Photo by Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports - Breaking Down What Has Gone Wrong For The Canucks Power Play Since The 2024 All-Star GameAfter starting the season strong, the Vancouver Canucks have struggled on the power play since the All-Star break. The numbers are not even close, as the Canucks have dropped from a 25% power play rate during their first 49 games to 15.1% in the 19 games since the 2024 NHL All-Star Game. This slump has been a massive issue, as it is now costing Vancouver wins and making them a less dangerous team overall.
The best way to show the difference between the first 49 games and the last 19 is by using per 60-minute rates. This allows for a better comparison as it shows how the overall numbers have fluctuated during the two time periods. Below are the Canucks power play rates as per Natural Stat Trick.
The analytics show significant decreases over the last 19 games, which helps explain why the power play has struggled. Not only is Vancouver taking fewer shots, but they are having difficulties setting up and generating scoring chances. While they are still creating high-danger chances at a decent rate, the analytics show they are passing up opportunities to try and manufacture the perfect play.
Another concerning trend is the Canucks giving up chances while shorthanded. After allowing three shorthanded goals through the first 49 games, they have matched that over the last 19. While the analytics have stayed pretty similar over the two time periods, this increase shows that the opposition is making the most of their opportunities and beating goaltenders at a higher rate. Every team allows shorthanded goals, but the fact Vancouver is giving them up at a higher rate since the All-Star break is problematic.
In short, the Canucks have scored only eight goals on 53 attempts since the start of February. Considering the talent available, this is concerning, as special teams could be the difference between winning and losing a series come playoff time. Whether it is mixing up the units or something as simple as getting as many shots as possible toward the net, Vancouver needs to sort out the power play before it costs them in the postseason.
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