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 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
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The Canucks put forth one of their more dominating analytical efforts of the season. They won the even-strength scoring chances battle 30-17 while also capturing the even-strength, high-danger scoring chances title by a final count of 13-7. Whether it was creating chances off the rush or through possession, Vancouver was by far the better team despite the two teams being separated by only one goal.
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The heatmap shows just how strong the Canucks were in their own zone. Pittsburgh struggled to create any chances close to the net, with the majority of the shots coming from distance. As for Vancouver, they had no issues creating high-danger chances, with Alex Nedeljkovic facing 12 high-danger shots on the night.
The analytics star for the Canucks in this game was Erik Brännström. During his 13:13 of even-strength ice time, Vancouver outshot the Penguins 15-6 while holding an 8-0 high-danger chances advantage. The Canucks also outscored Pittsburgh 2-0, which included the game-winning goal scored by Arshdeep Bains. Based on the way Brännström is playing, it is hard to see him coming out of the lineup in the near future.
Lastly, it was a sensational night for the line of Jake DeBrusk, J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser. During the trios 11:01, Vancouver held a 9-6 shots advantage while winning the high-danger scoring chances battle 4-1. Despite spending the majority of the night lined up against Sidney Crosby, the trio was able to generate chances and even found their way onto the scoresheet.
