Welcome to this edition of the Vancouver Canucks postgame analysis report. This recurring deep dive breaks down the analytics behind every Canucks game as captured by Natural Stat Trick. In this article, we look back at Vancouver’s most recent 3-2 shootout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.
To view the embedded media, view the original article.
The Canucks were the better team by a wide margin when it came to the analytics. At even strength, Vancouver won the battle for scoring chances 24-12, while also holding a 7-3 edge on high-risk chances. In fact, the Canucks were so good at limiting high-danger chances that the Flyers didn’t score one until the third period. Overall, the team played well defensively, but couldn’t generate enough offense to walk away with the win.
The heatmap is one of the reasons why Vancouver’s loss was so frustrating. They did a great job on both ends of the ice, but couldn’t get the puck past Samuel Ersson. If the Canucks can continue to generate chances like they did tonight, while also playing strong defensively, they should emerge from games with more wins than losses.
Looking at the front group, the best trio of the night was the fourth line of Pius Suter, Teddy Blueger and Kiefer. In 8:25 of ice time, Vancouver had a 4-1 lead in scoring chances, with the trio also beating Philadephia 1-0. They were also physically present and provided nine hits that evening. This trio has developed a certain chemistry that will benefit the entire season if the top six cannot find the back of the net.
Latest from THN’s Vancouver Canucks site:
Canucks can’t hold on to lead in the third period and lose 3-2 in a shootout against the Flyers
Canucks Tyler Myers leaves the game against the Flyers with an injury
Alex Edler: From third-round pick to great Vancouver Canucks franchise
Abbotsford Canucks announce 2024-25 opening night roster
To wrap things up, Quinn Hughes deserves a lot of credit for the way he played. He played 31:28, including 22:48 at even strength. When they were on the ice at even strength, the Canucks had a 12-3 scoring advantage, winning the battle of high danger scoring opportunities 4-2. Ultimately, Hughes led by example and was once again one of, if not Vancouver’s, best players of the night.
