Welcome to this edition of the Vancouver Canucks post-game analytics report. This recurring deep dive breaks down the analytics behind each Canucks game as recorded by Natural Stat Trick. In this article, we look back on Vancouver's most recent 3-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.
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The Canucks had a tough night from an analytics perspective. They allowed 32 even-strength scoring chances compared to 25 generated and lost the even-strength high-danger scoring chances battle 15-9. While Vancouver did make a push late, they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, dropping their first game after the 4 Nations Face-Off break.
As for the heatmap, it is concerning as the Canucks gave up way too many chances from in tight. By the end of the game, Kevin Lankinen had faced 10 high-danger shots, with two sneaking past him. While Lankinen has been a great safety all season, Vancouver needs to find a way to protect their goaltender better moving forward.
As for the Canucks top forward line, that would be the trio of Drew O'Connor, Filip Chytil and Brock Boeser. During their 11:28 of ice time, Vancouver held a 6-2 shots advantage and won the scoring chances battle 8-2. While it is a small sample, O'Connor, Chytil and Boeser are developed some chemistry and have been one of the Canucks most consistent lines since the beginning of February.
Lastly, Pius Suter had an impressive game against Vegas. During his 11:10 of even-strength ice time, Vancouver held a 9-4 shot advantage, while Suter finished with four total shots and two total individual high-danger chances. While he didn't end up on the scoresheet, Suter's performance was yet another example of how valuable he is to this lineup.
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