A look at some of the analytics from the Canucks 2-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks.
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 win over the Anaheim Ducks.
Even though the two teams were separated by just one goal, Vancouver was by far the better team on the night. At even strength, they won the scoring chances battle 28-16 while holding a 10-4 high-danger chances advantage. Outside of the second period, where the Ducks were able to mount some pressure, the Canucks were fantastic at both ends of the ice and made life difficult for Anaheim throughout the night.
As for the heatmap, it may be the most impressive of Vancouver's season so far. The Canucks made life easy for Casey DeSmith, with Vancouver's goaltender stopping all five high-danger shots he faced during the game. It was a masterclass in defending, as the Ducks' average shot distance was 44.95 feet, with the only goal coming off a weird bounce that was difficult to track.
Heatmap by Natural Stat Trick, VAN vs ANA, Mar. 3, 2024As for Vancouver's offence, they created chances and kept Lukas Dostal on his toes all night. Both their goals came off high-danger shots, and while they only registered seven, they added ten medium-danger shots during the game. Ultimately, they played well despite only scoring twice and took advantage of an Anaheim team that has struggled in their own end this season.
Arguably, the Canucks best line on the night was the trio of Nils Höglander, Elias Pettersson and Pius Suter. In 10:28 together, they posted an xGF% of 72.77 and had a 10-4 scoring chances advantage at the end of the night. Höglander also contributed a goal while each member of the line contributed three shots on the net. They had some chemistry for a trio that has not played together this season and could be a long-term option moving forward.
As for one individual who stood out, that would be Conor Garland. In 13:13 of even-strength ice time, he led the team with an xGF% of 83.62 and finished the game with a 10-1 scoring chances advantage. He also scored the game-winning goal and recorded four individual scoring chances on the night. One of Vancouver's most consistent forwards all year, he stepped up against the Ducks and showed just how valuable he can be to this lineup.
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