The Stats Behind Game #16: Canucks 4, Blue Jackets 3
Welcome to this edition of the Vancouver Canucks post-game 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 4–3 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Vancouver’s scoring chances-for summary during this game can be described as a linear progression. The Canucks put up five even-strength scoring chances-for during the first period but allowed seven. In the second period, Vancouver had nine scoring chances-for during the second period but let Columbus register 11. The script flipped in the third period, when the Canucks piled on 11 even-strength scoring chances-for and limited the Blue Jackets to only one.
The Canucks’ heat map from this game showed that they did a much better job of putting pucks on net, with the bulk of their chances coming in front of Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzļikins. They also registered a fair amount of chances directly in front of the net from the distance of the faceoff dot. Columbus also put shots in-tight on Kevin Lankinen while also piling a few on him from near the center of the faceoff dot.
Saturday was a strong night for Conor Garland, who placed first in a few categories for the Canucks. He had the highest overall corsi-for on the team with 60.87% and expected goals-for with 65.86%. As well, his line featuring Elias Pettersson and Evander Kane had the highest 5-on-5 corsi-for with 62.07%.
Vancouver is back at it tonight with a matchup against the Colorado Avalanche, who took a commanding 9–1 win against the Edmonton Oilers last night. While tonight’s starter has not been confirmed yet, Thatcher Demko was spotted skating yesterday — something that Patrik Allvin made note of during his appearance on Sportsnet’s After Hours last night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm PT.
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