The Stats Behind Game #1: Flames 6, Canucks 5 (OT)
A look at some of the analytics from the Canucks 6-5 overtime loss to the Calgary Flames.
Photo by Bob Frid-Imagn Images - The Stats Behind Game #1: Flames 6, Canucks 5 (OT)Welcome to this edition of the Vancouver Canucks postgame analytics report. This recurring deep dive breaks down the analytics behind each Canucks game as recorded by Natural Stat Trick. In this article, we look back on Vancouver's most recent 6-5 overtime loss to the Calgary Flames.
While the Canucks season-opening loss was chaotic, the analytics are relatively tame and heavily favour Vancouver. At even-strength, the Canucks generated more scoring chances at 27-20 while almost doubling the Flames in high-danger scoring chances at 13-7. In the end, though, Calgary was able to outscore Vancouver 4-3 at even strength, which ended up being the difference in this game.
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As for the heatmap, there are a few problematic areas that are clearly visible. The Flames were able to create chances from in tight all night and were able to get to "the guts of the ice" as Rick Tocchet likes to call it. As for the Canucks, they did a good job creating chances in tight, but they need to start utilizing the entire ice surface rather than staying just on one side.
One line that stood out throughout the game was the trio of Nils Höglander, Aatu Räty and Conor Garland. During their 6:10 together, Vancouver outchanced Calgary 4-2 while also holding a 2-0 high-danger chance advantage. The line also scored the Canucks third goal, with all three players recording a point on the play. While they were on for a goal against, overall, they played well together and could be a trio Tocchet keeps together moving forward.
Lastly, Jake DeBrusk had a strong showing in his Vancouver debut. He collected a primary assist while the Canucks held a 10-6 shots advantage at even strength when he was on the ice. DeBrusk also saw 37 seconds on the penalty kill and led the team in takeaways with two. While it is still early, DeBrusk looks like he fits in nicely beside Elias Pettersson, as well as on the power play, and should be a key player throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
