The Stats Behind Game #45: Canucks 3, Oilers 2

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 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. 

The Canucks rebounded massively against the Oilers. They won the even-strength scoring chances battle 18-15 while limiting Edmonton to just three even-strength high-danger scoring chances. Overall, it was one of Vancouver's best defensive efforts of the season, as they were able to shut down one of the hottest teams in the league. 

The heatmap from this game provides a great visual as to how strong the Canucks defensive effort was. Vancouver allowed virtually no shots from high-danger areas and kept the crease area relatively clean. In the end, the team deserves a lot of credit as they limited Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to one combined individual high-danger chance. 

One defenceman who had a very strong game was Vincent Desharnais. During his 13:07 of even-strength ice time, the Canucks held a 5-1 shots advantage and won the scoring chances battle 8-0. While he has struggled so far this season, performances like this one show why Vancouver invested in him this past offseason. 

Lastly, J.T. Miller had one of his best games of the season. During his 11:55 of even-strength ice time against McDavid, the Canucks held a 5-3 shots advantage while limiting the Oilers line to just two high-danger chances. If this was Miller's final game with the organization, he departs Vancouver on a high as he was also voted the third star of the game.

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