A look at some of the Vancouver Canucks statistics tracked by NHL EDGE during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
A look at some of the Vancouver Canucks statistics tracked by NHL EDGE during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
This season, the NHL introduced a new data collection system called NHL EDGE. The system includes a wide variety of data, including shot speed, save location and zone time. With this in mind, here is a look at some of the data tracked by NHL EDGE during the Vancouver Canucks 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs run.
Starting with even-strength zone time, the Canucks spent slightly more time in the defensive zone than the offensive zone this postseason. While NHL EDGE doesn't break down zone time by series, we know that Vancouver spent more time in the defensive zone (41.7%) than the offensive zone (40.8) in the first round. Overall, the even-strength zone time percentages show that the while the Canucks did spend more time in their defensive zone, they were able to control play in the offensive zone as well throughout the postseason.
The one main area of concern when it comes to zone time is Vancouver's power play. According to NHL EDGE, the Canucks spent 55.6% of their power play in the offensive zone. In comparison, the Dallas Stars are currently at 61%, while the Edmonton Oilers rank first in the NHL at 68.6%. In the end, Vancouver's low number is a reflection of their inability to gain the zone and set up as, more often than not, their entries were met with swift clearances. The power play is one area the Canucks desperately need to get better at next season, especially if they have eyes on a long run during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Throughout the playoffs, one of the most significant talking points surrounding Vancouver was shot totals. The Canucks averaged 20.8 shots per game and finished with 20 or fewer in seven of their 13 games. While they struggled to hit the net, NHL EDGE shows Vancouver went with quality over quantity when it came to their shot selection.
Of the Canucks 269 total shots during the postseason, 63 or 23% of them were classified as high-danger. As for the other classifications, 80 or 30% were mid-range shots, and 55 or 20% were long-range. The remaining 71, or 26%, were not classified, meaning they came from the areas circled below.
While this shooting strategy worked on occasion, the inability to get shots on the net hurt Vancouver in the long run. The positive, though, is that NHL EDGE showed that the Canucks were able to get shots off from the middle of the ice throughout the postseason. The hope is that in 2024-25, not only can Vancouver continue generating high-danger chances but also increase the volume of total shots so that they can test goalkeepers more often.
Ultimately, NHL EDGE is a great tool that shows some holes in how the Canucks played during the playoffs. While there were plenty of positives, there are areas that need to be improved for Vancouver to take another step forward next year. Hopefully, the team can address these issues in the offseason to ensure the Canucks enter the 2024-25 campaign as Stanley Cup contenders.
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