A look at some of the analytics from the Canucks 2-1 overtime victory over the L.A. Kings.
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 overtime win over the L.A. Kings.
Vancouver put together an impressive effort over the Kings in overtime. They dominated at even strength and finished the game with a 14-3 high-danger scoring chances advantage. Finishing the night with an even strength xGF% of 63.29, the Canucks showed that they can break down one of the best defensive teams in the league while also remaining calm and not giving up too many opportunities against.
As for the heatmap, it is an excellent representation of just how strong Vancouver's defence was. L.A. had a difficult time creating chances near the net and were forced to play on the outside for the majority of the game. While Thatcher Demko was forced to make a few spectacular saves, it was a relatively easy night as he only faced two high-danger shots and six medium-danger shots all night.
Heatmap by Natural Stat Trick, VAN vs L.A., Mar. 5, 2024As for Cam Talbot, he was a bit busier. The Canucks were able to create chances, finishing the game with 11 high-danger shots and forced the Kings' netminder to continuously cover the puck due to a strong forecheck. Overall, it was a strong performance and one Vancouver should try to replicate moving forward.
As for a player who stood out, that would be Elias Pettersson. Scoring his 30th goal of the season, he was tied for the team lead in shots with four and led the Canucks with four individual high-danger scoring chances, which all came at even strength. He was also the only forward to record a takeaway and had an xGF% of 75.39. At even strength, he was a difference maker and showed that he can step up in a playoff-like atmosphere against a team Vancouver may run into come playoff time.
Lastly, Quinn Hughes had another spectacular game on the blue line. In 28:39 of ice time, he finished with two assists, a takeaway and three individual scoring chances. As for at even strength, the Canucks had a 15-7 shots advantage and won the high-danger chances battle 10-1. Once again, he was the engine of this team and helped drive them to a crucial win in L.A.
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