Welcome to this edition of the Vancouver Canucks post-game 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 overtime loss to the Utah Hockey Club.
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Just like on the scoreboard, the Canucks came out on the wrong side of the analytics battle. At even strength, Utah had a 30-26 scoring advantage, while also winning the battle of high danger scoring chances 11-9. Ultimately, it was surprising that the analysis was so close, as Vancouver was badly outplayed in the first period.
In terms of the heatmap, the Canucks once again struggled to protect the crease area. Utah had no problem generating shots from close range, with Thatcher Demko stopping six of the eight dangerous shots he faced. Ultimately, Vancouver’s inability to close down the opponent cost them, as Utah’s first goal of the match was a direct result of no one controlling Clayton Keller in front of the net.
As for the highlight of the game, it was clearly Conor Garland. At even strength, the Canucks defeated Utah 12-6 and opened a 14-6 lead when Garland was on the ice. Playing over 21 minutes in the game, Garland continues to drive play and has been one of Vancouver’s most consistent players this season.
Finally, Max Sasson played another impressive match. Despite playing less than 13 minutes, he led the team in even-strength high-danger individual chances with two and had three shots on target. Sasson is clearly making the most of his top-six opportunities and showing he has some chemistry with Jake DeBrusk and Elias Pettersson.
