The Stats Behind The Game: Canucks 1, Flyers 4

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 most recent 4-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. 

The Canucks continued their trend of slow first periods and only finding their legs as the game went on. While both teams finished with 18 scoring chances at even strength, the Flyers led after the first by a margin of 9-3, while Vancouver finished the third with a 10-4 advantage. As for high-danger chances, the same trend was present, with the main difference being that the Canucks had a slight advantage at the end of the game, winning that battle 11-8. 

Overall, this was a boring game, with the difference being that Philadephia could capitalize on their opportunities. Even the heat map from this game is a little bland, as it shows neither team could generate a large volume of shots from high-danger areas. Ultimately, this is the perfect example of two teams that hadn't played in close to a week trying to shake off the rust from the holiday season.

One positive from the game was the play of winger Dakota Joshua. In his 10:42 of even-strength ice time, the Canucks had a 4-1 advantage in high-danger chances created and an xGF% of 72.57. As for Joshua himself, he was tied with Pius Suter for the team lead in individual high-danger chances for with two, threw three hits and finished the game with a secondary assist. Vancouver's third line has been a lifeline for this team over the past few weeks and was the only group that could contribute offensively versus the Flyers. 

Make sure to check back after the game against the Ottawa Senators for another edition of "The Stats Behind The Game."