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 6-3 win over the Ottawa Senators. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/news/pettersson-suter-each-score-twice-as-canucks-double-up-the-senators] Despite being heavily outshot, the analytics show that this was a game Vancouver deserved to win. At even strength, the Canucks finished the night with a 27-21 scoring chance advantage and won the high-danger scoring chance battle 15-12. They also had an xGF% of 54.72% and outscored Ottawa 5-3 at even strength. It is fair to question how a team that was outshot by 13 at even strength won the analytics battle. The easiest way to explain this is by using the heatmap. While the Senators were able to produce a large number of shots, most came from low-danger areas like the blue line or along the boards. When Ottawa did get close to the net, it resulted in goals, but those opportunities only really presented themselves in the third period. Heatmap by Natural Stat Trick, Van vs Ott, Jan 2, 2024 [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAzMzcxMTIwNzE4NTIxOTM1/20232024-20584-all.png] Heatmap by Natural Stat Trick, Van vs Ott, Jan 2, 2024 Arguably, the best skater for Vancouver against the Senators was Pius Suter. The Canucks center played 15:45 at even strength and recorded two goals and a primary assist. He also led the team in shots with five and was tied for the team lead in takeaways with two and individual high-danger chances with three. As for his effect on the team, Vancouver outscored Ottawa 4-0 when he was on the ice and had a 6-0 high-danger chances advantage. He has been superb since returning from injury and is a difference-maker regardless of where he plays in the lineup. Vancouver Canucks 2023 Recap Lastly, this was one of Elias Pettersson's best games this season. Scoring twice, he finished the night with four even-strength shots, two takeaways and created two rebounds. Finishing the night with an xGF% of 78.58, it is safe to say EP40 started 2024 off on the right foot. Make sure to check back after the game against the St. Louis Blues for another edition of "The Stats Behind The Game." Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Pettersson, Hughes Nominated For NHL 24 Team of the Year [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/news/pettersson-hughes-nominated-for-nhl-24-team-of-the-year] The Great One Visits Canucks Morning Skate [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/news/the-great-one-visits-canucks-morning-skate] Elias Pettersson Picks Up First Point As Sweden Defeats Switzerland In The Quarterfinals At The 2024 World Juniors [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/news/elias-pettersson-picks-up-first-point-as-sweden-defeats-switzerland-in-the-quarterfinals-at-the-2024-world-juniors] Vancouver Canucks Must Watch Games For January 2024 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/analysis/vancouver-canucks-must-watch-games-for-january-2024] "We Understand We Need To Just Keep Working Hard.": Ilya Mikheyev Ready For Canucks Playoff Push [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/analysis/we-understand-we-need-to-just-keep-working-hard-ilya-mikheyev-ready-for-canucks-playoff-push] Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxNjc3MzIzNTkyODA0MTE2/screenshot-2023-10-22-at-91546am.png]
