A look at some of the analytics from the Vancouver Canucks 5-4 overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken.
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 5-4 overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken.
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As expected, the even-strength analytics from this game were very balanced. Seattle won the scoring chances battle 23-22 while also creating more high-danger scoring chances by a count of 11-7. As for the xGF%, that was a clear win by the Kraken, with the Canucks recording a 42.15 xGF% at even-strength
The heatmap also illustrated some issues Vancouver had in their own zone. Three of Seattle's goals came from high-danger shots, including the overtime game-winner which was scored on a breakaway. While the Canucks only gave up nine high-danger shots, they did not do a good job clearing the front of the net, while an inability to clear the front of the net led directly to the game-tying goal.
Heatmap by Natural Stat Trick, VAN vs SEA, Dec 28, 2024From an analytics perspective, Vancouver's best defence pair was the duo of Erik Brännström and Vincent Desharnais. During their 15:16 of even-strength ice time, the Canucks held an 8-3 shots advantage while winning the high-danger scoring chances battle 4-1. In the end, Brännström and Desharnais were able to find success both in the defensive zone as well as offensively.
Lastly, Max Sasson had a strong game on Saturday. Vancouver's fourth-line center played 12:37 at even strength and finished the matchup with an xGF% of 67.46. Sasson also finished with an individual high-danger chance created while drawing a penalty in the first period. Despite not ending up on the scoresheet, Sasson found a way to have a positive impact on this game and help the Canucks pick up at least one point.
