A look at some of the analytics from the Canucks 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights.
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 win over the Vegas Golden Knights.
The analytics for this game show that after taking the lead in the third period, Vancouver went into defensive mode and focused more on defending the lead rather than generating chances. At the game, Vegas held a 20-13 lead in even-strength scoring chances while also winning the even-strength high-danger chances battle 9-5. As for the Canucks, they only recorded four even-strength scoring chances and one even-strength high-danger scoring chance in the third as they, to use a term from football/soccer, "Parked the Bus" en route to a victory.
Looking at the heatmap, Vancouver did a great job pushing the Golden Knights to the outside and protecting the middle of the ice. Arturs Silovs only faced three high-danger shots all night, with Vegas having an average shot distance of 36.04 feet. Considering how dangerous the Golden Knights roster is, this defensive performance was impressive and one the Canucks can hopefully replicate come playoff time.
On defence, one pair that had a significant impact on the game was Carson Soucy and Tyler Myers. During their 13:48 of even-strength ice time, Vancouver held an 8-5 scoring chances advantage while the duo posted an xGF% of 74.10. Soucy and Myers also combined for seven hits while each blocked one shot. Overall, they continue to play together and should be the Canucks second pairing in the postseason.
Lastly, Conor Garland stole the show in his 400th career game. Not only did he score twice, but he led the team in shots with five and individual high-danger scoring chances with three. Playing 14:15 of even-strength ice time, Garland finished with an xGF% of 51.45 despite being matched up against Vegas' top line of Jack Eichel, Jonathan Marchessault and Ivan Barbashev. Whether it was on the power play or at even strength, he was a difference maker in what was one of his best games of the season.
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