The Stats Behind Game #30: Canucks 3, Avalanche 1

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 3-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. 

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Despite the victory, the Canucks lost the analytics battle. Colorado won the even-strength scoring chances battle 23-20 while also creating more even-strength high-danger chances by a count of 13-7. In the end, Vancouver was lucky Thatcher Demko was on his game, as he was one of the main reasons they skated away with a victory. 

The heatmap backs the analytics, as the Canucks gave up way too many chances in front of the net. Luckily, Demko was able to save 11 of the 12 high-danger shots he faced; otherwise, this game would have had a very different outcome. While the team did play well in general, they still need to work on boxing out the opposition and clearing rebounds away from the crease. 

As for a standout forward line, that was easily the trio of Danton Heinen, Pius Suter and Kiefer Sherwood. During their 7:15 of ice time, Vancouver held a 6-2 shots advantage and won the high-danger scoring chances battle 3-1. The new-look third line really stepped up for the Canucks as they found ways to contribute at both ends of the ice. 

Lastly, the pairing of Noah Juulsen and Carson Soucy was arguably Vancouver's best. During their 11:49 together at even strength, the Canucks had a 9-8 shots advantage and allowed only five high-danger chances compared to 12 created. The two showed they have developed some chemistry and that they can shut down some of the best offensive players in the NHL.