A look at some of the analytics from the Canucks 4-3 loss to the Sharks
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 loss to the San Jose Sharks.
Just like in the actual game, the analytics show that the Canucks started slow and only really hit their stride in the third period. In the first period, the Sharks led 13-5 in terms of even-strength scoring chances, but Vancouver would later flip that stat and finish with a 32-25 advantage. The same could be said about the team's high-danger chances. While San Jose left with a lead in the first, Vancouver would finish on top with 16 compared to nine for the Sharks. Unforuntalty, as the Canucks learned, teams rarely win when they only play half the game, so despite a strong effort late in the game, it wasn't enough to beat the Sharks on Saturday night.
Besides the slow start, a big reason why Vancouver lost was the play of San Jose goaltender Kaapo Kähkönen. He stopped 26 of 27 shots at even strength, which included all six high-danger chances he faced. Ultimately, his play at even strength was the difference for San Jose as they beat Vancouver for the first time in almost four years.
As for which Canucks was the best, it wasn't even close. Quinn Hughes was spectacular once again on several levels. In 29:49 of ice time, Vancouver outshot the Sharks 23-6 with him on the ice and outscored San Jose 3-1. Shifting to his even-strength numbers, he played just under 25 minutes recorded five shots on goal while also throwing two hits. While the stats speak for them, the most impressive part about his performance is that he had played 22:36 against Seattle the night before. Very simply put, Hughes is the engine of this team, and without him, the Canucks would be in massive trouble.
Lastly, let's look at Nils Höglander, who looked impressive once again for Vancouver. He played 12:30, with all his minutes coming at even strength and finished the night with three individual high-danger chances created despite not registering a shot on goal. While on the ice, the Cancuks as a team generated eight high-danger scoring chances, which ranked just behind Hughes and Filip Hronek, who each finished with nine at even strength. Based on his performances over the past few games, it may be time to elevate him up the lineup and see if he can make a difference as part of the top six.
Make sure to check back Wednesday after the game against the Anaheim Ducks for another edition of "The Stats Behind The Game."