A look at some of the analytics from the Vancouver Canucks 2-1, Game 3 win over 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 2-1 Game 3 win over Nashville Predators.
While Vancouver won 2-1, they did not have a great night from an analytics perspective. At even strength, Nashville held a 21-14 scoring chances advantage while also winning the high-danger scoring chances battle 7-3. Overall though, it was a strong defensive performance as, once again, the Canucks showed they could close out a game they had a lead in heading into the third period.
When looking at the heatmap, the most significant positive from Vancouver's perspective is that the Predators were unable to generate chances from the middle of the ice. By the end of the game, Casey DeSmith only faced four high-danger shots, which is a combination of the Canucks blocking shots and forcing most of the play to the outside. While there was still a fair amount of action right in front of the net, Vancouver played a solid defensive game, forcing Nashville to take shots from less-than-desirable areas.
While Vancouver did spend most of the game in the defensive zone, one line finished the night with a positive analytics line. Unsurprisingly, it was the trio of Pius Suter, J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser who, in 7:19 of ice time, had an xGF% of 66.07. The line combined for four of the Canucks eight even-strength shots while winning the scoring chances battle 3-2. While Miller and Boeser's goals came on the power play, their ability, along with Suter, to create offensive chances at even strength played a factor in Vancouver's Game 3 win.
Lastly, Ilya Mikheyev had a strong game, according to the analytics. In 12:01 of even-strength ice time, the Canucks held an 8-2 scoring chances advantage while Mikheyev finished with two individual scoring chances created. Finishing with an xGF% of 57.30, he was one of the few Vancouver players whose analytics looked favourable from Friday night.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
Abbotsford Canucks Fall 5-4 In Overtime In Game 2 Of Their First-Round Series Against The Colorado Eagles
Miller, Cole and DeSmith Deliver As Canucks' 3 Stars Of Game 3
'We Were Committed To The Pain': Predators Head Coach Talks Game Plan Against Canucks Attack
REPORT: Thatcher Demko's Injury Could Be Torn ACL
Canucks Tyler Myers Returns To The Lineup For Game 3
Former Canucks Team Up With Lyndsey Fry To Support Youth Hockey In Arizona
Abbotsford Canucks Kick Off 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs With 4-2 Victory Over The Colorado Eagles
Canucks Prospects Bloom And Young Advance To The OHL And WHL Conference Finals
