A look at some of the analytics from the Vancouver Canucks 3-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.
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 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Despite leaving the first with an advantage, the Canucks lost the analytics battle on Thursday night. Vegas won the even-strength scoring chances battle 24-20 while also creating more even-strength high-danger scoring chances by a count of 10-7. Ultimately, this was a low-event game, with the Golden Knights being able to capitalize on their chances in the second half of the game.
Latest From THN's Vancouver Canucks Site:
The main takeaway from the heatmap is that Vancouver once again struggled to box out in front of the net. The winning goal was scored from right in front of the net, while Kevin Lankinen faced five high-danger shots. While the Canucks did a good job keeping the middle of the ice clean, their work in front of their goaltender still needs some work.
Heatmap by Natural Stat Trick, VAN vs VGK, Dec 19, 2024Instead of highlighting players with strong analytics, it needs to be pointed out that four of Vancouver's skaters finished with an even-strength xGF% below 8%. The four skaters were Linus Karlsson (1.88), Brock Boeser (4.88), Noah Juulsen (5.98) and Carson Soucy (7.94). While players having bad nights from an analytics perspective is not uncommon, having four players that all finish below 8% is unheard of. The hope is these analytics are just a one-off; otherwise, the Canucks could be in serious trouble moving forward.
