A look at some of the analytics from the Canucks 4-3 overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
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 overtime win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The analytics for this game back up the eye test in that both teams' offences came to play. While Pittsburgh came out ahead on the even-strength scoring chance scoreboard 30-22, the two teams finished the game tied with 11 high-danger chances each, recording at least one in all four periods. Overall, this was a very balanced game and one of the few this season where a Canucks power play goal was the eventual difference maker.
Heatmap by Natural Stat Trick, VAN vs PIT, Jan 11, 2023When breaking down the heatmap, one trend that appeared was the Canucks ability to protect the net. At even strength, the Penguins had an average shot distance of 41.66 feet, which is beyond the faceoff dots. While Pittsburgh could get to the net front on the power play, Vancouver did a great job of clogging the middle again and forcing shots from distance.
As for the Canucks, they were crashing the net all night. They finished with an average shot distance of 38.37, while Tristan Jarry was in the net, with all their goals coming from around the crease. This is one area Vancouver has really improved on this season, as they have been able to get to high-danger scoring areas and make the opposition pay.
Lastly, let's take a look at the Canucks newest line of Andrei Kuzmenko, Pius Suter and Ilya Mikheyev. The trio played 8:34 together and registered the highest xGF% on the team at 84.90. They also had a 2-0 high-danger chances advantage, with Vancouver outshooting Pittsburgh 4-2 when they were on the ice. It is clear they have developed some chemistry and will hopefully be able to translate their strong analytical start to the scoresheet shortly.
Ensure to check back after the game against the Buffalo Sabres for another edition of "The Stats Behind The Game."
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