A look at some of the analytics from the Canucks 4-3 shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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 4-3 shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Despite the lopsided shot chart, this game was balanced from an analytics perspective. Columbus did walk away with the advantage in even-strength chances (27-26) and high-danger scoring chances (13-10), but it felt as though the Blue Jackets should have had a higher advantage in both categories based on the game's flow. This is a testament to how strong of a team Vancouver has been this season, as even when it looks like they are being heavily outplayed, their lineup can create scoring opportunities while also limiting the quality of chances given up to the opposition.
One primary concern from this game is that the Canucks didn't do a great job protecting the front of the net. As per the heatmap, all three of Columbus' goals came from near the crease as the Blue Jackets finished with a goal distance of 17 feet. As for the Canucks, while they did crash the net, the majority of their shots were from the perimeter, which is why they finished the game with only seven even-strength high-danger shots on Elvis Merzlikins. While it is fair to give Vancouver a pass for this game due to it being the end of a seven-game road trip and the problematic travel before puck drop, they need to ensure they get back their old ways of clogging up the middle while getting bodies to the net in the offensive zone.
Lastly, one pair that stood out for all the right reasons was Tyler Myers and Carson Soucy. The duo was on the ice for 15:30 together at even-strength, with the Canucks holding a 10-6 shot advantage during that time. They also had a 71.57 xGF% while allowing just one high-danger chance against. If Vancouver does view themselves as a contender, this pairing will need to replicate their strong play from this game, as they were the only two defensemen on the roster who finished with an even-strength SH% of over 40%.
Ensure to check back after the game against the Arizona Coyotes for another edition of "The Stats Behind The Game."
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