Vancouver Canucks At 70: Looking Back At The First 70 Games Of The 2023-24 Season
The Vancouver Canucks are 44-18-8 through their first 70 games of the 2023-24 season.
Photo by Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports - Vancouver Canucks At 70: Looking Back At The First 70 Games Of The 2023-24 SeasonAfter a solid first 70 games, the Vancouver Canucks are on pace for one of their best seasons in franchise history. The Canucks are on pace to win the Pacific Division for the first time while also posting just their third 50+ win season. Here is a look at some of their statistics from the first 70 games of the 2024-24 season.
Vancouver's five-on-five play is one of the biggest stories this season. They lead the NHL with 168, with five-on-five goals making up 68.6% of their total goals. For reference, the Canucks only scored 169 goals during the 2022-23 season. The ability to produce at five-on-five has added an additional element to Vancouver's game and is one of the reasons the Canucks find themselves near the top of the standings.
As for Vancouver's defensive game, it looks to be getting stronger as the postseason nears. Over the past ten games, they have averaged 24.4 shots against per game and have allowed only 21 goals. This includes a recent stretch where they have allowed two goals or fewer in seven of their last eight games. Whether it is keeping the opposition to the outside or sustained puck possession at the other end of the ice, the Canucks have fully bought into what Rick Tocchet wants from his group.
The penalty kill has also seen massive improvements as the season has progressed. Now at 79.3% this season, Vancouver has allowed four goals over its last ten games. While their overall play has been better, the Canucks are also taking fewer penalties, allowing one or fewer power plays in five of those games. The hope is that come postseason time, Vancouver can keep up this level of discipline while continuing their recent success on the penalty kill.
One storyline to follow over the last 12 games will be J.T. Miller's pursuit of 100 points. The Canucks center is 11 off and will get plenty of opportunities to rack up the points with teams like the Anaheim Ducks and Arizona Coyotes on the schedule. If he does, he will become the seventh player in franchise history to achieve the feat.
It is safe to say the first 70 games of the season have been exceptional. As mentioned, Vancouver is in the midst of one of its best seasons ever and looks poised to make a deep playoff run. While there is still plenty of hockey to be played, it is safe to say the Canucks have exceeded expectations to this point.
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