Vancouver is 6-0-1 since December 7, 2023.
The Vancouver Canucks are the hottest team in the NHL, thanks to their current seven-game point streak. Since Dec 7, 2023, the Canucks have won six of their seven games, with the only loss coming against the Minnesota Wild via shootout. Here is a look at some of the statistics behind the point streak.
To start, one of the biggest differences between the last seven games and the previous 26 has been the penalty kill. Before the streak, Vancouver had a kill rate of 74.4% and sat 25th in the league compared to their 85% success rate over the past seven games. Whether it is the addition of Nikita Zadorov or the fact the Canucks have taken fewer penalties on average over the past seven games, the improved penalty kill has been crucial for Vancouver over the past few weeks.
The Canucks have also been perfect during this streak when they carry the lead into the intermission. They are 4-0 when leading after one and 6-0 after the second. Holding onto leads has been a consistent trend all the season, but over the last few weeks, they have become better at establishing leads after the first 20 minutes. Eventually, they will lose a game they had a lead after 40 minutes in, but as of right now, they are playing so well in the second that they can distance themselves enough from the opposition that a comeback is unlikely.
Next, let's take a look at the goaltending, which has been massive for Vancouver. Of the six games the Canucks have won, they have been outshot in four of them compared to only one where they outshot the opposition. Despite continually getting outshot by an average of 3.3, they have only allowed ten goals total over their past seven games. This is a testament to Thatcher Demko and Casey DeSmith's recent strong play. While their workload has been massive, with Vancouver only allowing an average of 28.9 shots per game, they can make saves when needed and hold down the fort in the third period despite increased pressure from the opposition.
Lastly, the play of Conor Garland, Teddy Blueger and Dakota Joshua has been off the charts during the streak. According to Natural Stat Trick, the trio has played 65:16 together. During that time, they have outscored the opposition 6-1. They also hold a 31-24 lead in shots, a 28-14 advantage in scoring chances, and hold an xGF% of 64.74. At this point, they have developed into arguably the best third line in the NHL and have been a key factor in why this point streak has hit seven games.
Overall, this seven-game point streak has produced some positive trends that are sustainable for the rest of the season. From improved defensive structure to a strong penalty kill, it is clear that the entire team is buying into head coach Rick Tocchet's game plan. Unlike 2022-23, they are playing as a unit rather than a bunch of individuals, which has correlated to their strong start to the season. If they can keep up this level of play and once again start producing on the power play, they should remain near the top of the standings throughout the campaign.
