A look at some of the analytics from the Canucks 3-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes.
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 3-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes.
From an analytics perspective, this was a game where the power play carried Vancouver to victory. While the Canucks were able to generate chances at even strength, they lost the scoring chances battle 21-13, while Carolina had a 10-5 advantage in high-danger chances. Of note, the five even-strength high-danger chances were the fourth lowest of the season and the first time Vancouver has failed to hit double digits since Jan 20 vs the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The heatmap for this game provides a good visual of why the Canucks were successful. As is displayed below, all three goals came from high-danger areas in front of the crease. Overall, Vancouver did a good job creating chances from the middle of the ice, and even though they only registered five high-danger shots all game, they were able to capitalize on three of them.
Heatmap by Natural Stat Trick, VAN vs CAR, Feb 6, 2024As for their defensive structure, the Canucks were able to protect the middle of the ice, only allowing six high-danger shots all game. While there was some action in front of Thatcher Demko, it was limited, with most of the shots coming from distance and along the boards. This style of defending has worked well so far this season as Vancouver continues to show why they are a Stanley Cup contender.
Lastly, the Canucks most effective line at even strength was the trio of Pius Suter, J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser. In 11:27 of ice time, they registered an xGF% of 94.02 and held a 3-0 high-danger chances advantage. Arguably, the most important part of their game was that they were the only line on either side to produce a goal at even strength. It is clear that this trio has chemistry, as in 64:00 together this season; they have outscored the opposition 8-2 while holding an xGF% of 74.91.
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