A look at some of the analytics from the Canucks 2-1 shootout loss to the Minnesota Wild.
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 2-1 shootout loss to the Minnesota Wild.
Despite having an advantage on the shot clock, the Canucks were outplayed from an analytical point of view. The Wild had the advantage at even strength in scoring chances (21-16) as well as high-danger chances (10-7) and dominated in expected goals for, finishing the game with an xGF% of 61.8%. While neither side played particularly well, Minnesota was the better team throughout the game.
Overall, the eye test and the analytics match up, proving this was a boring game. A good reinforcement of this was average shot distances at even strength. Casey DeSmith finished the night with an average shot distance of 40.83 feet, while Filip Gustavsson's was 48.96 feet. For reference, that means most shots for both teams came from beyond the faceoff dot and were considered low-danger shots. While each team was able to generate chances from down low, as each goal was scored less than ten feet from the net, neither was able to do this consistently, which is why only two goals were scored during regulation.
Lastly, let's take a look at Elias Pettersson, who was one of the better players from an analytics perspective. In 14:18 of even-strength ice time, the Canucks outshot the Wild 7-5, had a 7-2 advantage in scoring chances and won the high-danger battle 4-1. As for his individual stats, he had a takeaway, drew a penalty, threw two hits and blocked a shot. While he wasn't able to find his way onto the scoresheet, he did have a positive impact on the game.
Make sure to check back after the game against the Chicago Blackhawks for another edition of "The Stats Behind The Game."
