A look at some of the analytics from the Canucks 5-4 overtime win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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 5-4 overtime win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Despite a problematic second period, this was a game Vancouver dominated, according to the analytics. In 49:43 of even-strength ice time, the Canucks held a 30-17 advantage in scoring chances while winning the high-danger chances battle 11-3. Maybe the most impressive statistic is the high-danger chances, as Columbus failed to record one at even-strength in both the third period and overtime.
Even though the Blue Jackets generated 29 total shots, Vancouver did a fantastic job of limiting their chances. As the heatmap shows, Columbus had a difficult time creating opportunities right in front of Demko. They finished with an average shot distance of 43.45 feet, which demonstrates just how well the Canucks protected the high-danger areas and forced their opponent to settle for low-danger shots.
Heatmap by Natural Stat Trick, VAN vs CBJ, Jan 27, 2024On the other end, Vancouver drove the net all night, making life extremely difficult for Elvis Merzļikins. Four of the Canucks five goals were scored via high-danger shots, with Vancouver finishing the night with a shot distance of 26.88 feet. Come playoff time; these are the type of performances the Canucks will need if they have their eyes set on not just winning a round but going on a deep run.
As for one player that stood out, that would be Brock Boeser, who finished the night with three goals and an assist. Playing 13:25 at even strength, he recorded an xGF% 78.35, while Vancouver posted a 5-1 high-danger chances advantage with him on the ice. He was dynamic all night and was rewarded, hitting the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career.
Lastly, let's look at the Canucks third line of Dakota Joshua, Teddy Blueger and Conor Garland, who dominated from an analytical perspective. In the 10:45, the trio played together; Vancouver had a 6-0 high-danger scoring chances advantage while finishing the night with an xGF% of 93.90. While they didn't end up on the scoresheet, all three had a massive impact on the game and, once again, showed why they are the best third line in the NHL.
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