A look at some of the analytics from the Canucks 4-1, Game 2 loss to the Nashville Predators.
Welcome to this edition of "The Stats Behind The Game." This recurring deep dive breaks down the analytics behind each Vancouver Canucks game as recorded by Natural Stat Trick. In this article, we look back on the Canucks 4-1 Game 2 loss to the Nashville Predators.
The analytics show that this game should have been a blowout for Vancouver. At even strength, the Canucks had a 29-14 scoring chances advantage while they also won the high-danger scoring chances battle 14-7. The problem, though, is that Vancouver could not hit the net, which was the main reason behind their loss.
As for the heatmap, it details arguably the best defensive effort the Canucks have had all season. Yes, some mistakes led to goals, but overall, Vancouver prevented Nashville from generating any type of sustained offensive pressure all night. As Rick Tocchet pointed out postgame, it was the type of performance he would take every game if possible.
As for one line that stepped up, that would be the trio of Pius Suter, J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser. In their 8:40 of ice time, the Canucks had a 6-1 high-danger scoring chances advantage while also posting an xGF% of 87.09. For the second straight game, they generated chances and were able to keep possession of the puck for the majority of the night.
Lastly, according to the analytics, Nikita Zadorov was one of Vancouver's best players. Big Z, as he is called, had an xGF% of 76.98, while the Canucks had a 5-2 high-danger scoring chances advantage when he was on the ice. Zadorov also scored the only goal and was a physical presence all night. One of the most experienced players on the team when it comes to the playoffs, Zadorov stepped up in a big way and showed why Vancouver was so eager to acquire him this season.
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