A look at some of the analytics from the Canucks 4-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets.
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 4-2 defeat to the Winnipeg Jets.
Despite being the better team on the night, Vancouver lost the special teams, which ultimately made the difference in their game against the Jets. At even-strength, the Canucks held a 25-17 advantage in scoring chances and won the high-danger chances battle by a count of 13-8, but could not overcome the two power play goals they surrendered in the second period. The good news is that if Vancouver can play like they did at even strength throughout the rest of the season and playoffs, they should have no problem racking up wins throughout the campaign.
The heatmap shows just how good Connor Hellebuyck was on the night. Throughout the game, the Canucks were able to generate chances from in close, finishing with 12 high-danger shots. Despite the strong shot generation, they could only cash in one high-danger chance, which was a significant factor in the loss.
Heatmap by Natural Stat Trick, VAN vs WPG, Feb 17, 2024As for the Jets, they had no issue scoring from high-danger areas, scoring four times on 11 high-danger shots. As mentioned, a combination of power play goals against and costly missed assignments were the difference in this game. Come playoff time, Vancouver will need to manage their emotions better and ensure players do not get past them; otherwise, they could be in trouble.
Lastly, the line of Pius Suter, J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser had a monster game for the Canucks. In 9:37 of ice time, the trio posted an xGF% of 84.78 and had a 9-1 advantage in scoring chances. Each player also finished with four or more shots and were the line on the ice during Tyler Myers' goal. They were easily Vancouver's most effective forward group on the night and can hopefully translate this level of play to the Canucks next game against the Minnesota Wild.
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