A look at some of the analytics from the Canucks 4-2 victory over the Calgary Flames.
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 victory over the Calgary Flames.
From an analytics perspective, this was a very balanced game where Vancouver had the edge early, and Calgary finished strong as they tried to tie the game in the third. At even strength, the Flames had a slight advantage on the scoring chance chart, leading 22-21, while the Canucks finished with more high-danger scoring chances, with the final count being 11-9. While there were moments of back-and-forth play, overall, it was low-event hockey, and also, in the third consecutive game, Vancouver has kept their opponent under ten even-strength high-danger scoring chances.
When looking the heatmap illustrates how good the Canucks were at protecting what Rick Tocchet calls the "guts of the ice." While the Flames did generate chances in front of Casey DeSmith, a large portion of the middle of the ice is clean on the map. This can not be said about Vancouver's offensive pressure, as they were able to generate chances and shots from high-danger areas all night. Limiting Calgary to only six high-danger shots during the game, it is safe to say this was another successful night for the Canucks D core and forward group in their own zone.
Heatmap by Natural Stat Trick, VAN vs CGY, Mar. 23, 2024The best line was an easy choice, as Nils Höglander, Elias Pettersson, and Conor Garland stole the show. The trio contributed two goals for Vancouver and finished the game with a 6-1 high-danger chances advantage. Each player also recorded at least one individual high-danger chance while combining for nine shots at even strength. It is clear this line has found some chemistry and has now found the score sheet in two of the last three games.
Finally, one defender who stood out was Filip Hronek. He led the team in hits with four and had a team-high even-strength xGF% of 69.32. During his time on the ice, the Canucks also held a 6-3 high-danger chances advantage while winning the scoring chances battle 10-5. Even though he didn't end up on the scoresheet, he had a massive impact on this game and was a difference-maker at both ends of the ice.
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