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 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres.
From an analytics perspective, this was one of Vancouver’s most dominant performances of the season. At even strength, they won the scoring chance battle 34-17 while recording almost triple the high-danger scoring chances, ending the night with a 17-6 advantage. With 47 scoring chances in all situations, it was the most scoring chances the Canucks have recorded in a game this season.
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The heatmap for this game illustrates how strong Vancouver was at both ends of the ice. In the offensive zone, they crashed the net all night, with Devon Levi facing 16 high-danger shots. As for the defensive zone, the Canucks were able to force Buffalo to the outside, with Casey DeSmith facing only four high-danger shots. Overall, Vancouver took advantage of a tired Sabres team and showed what their team is capable of when every line, pairing and unit contributes in a game.
In their first game together, Conor Garland, Elias Pettersson and Nils Höglander showed how effective they can be. In 8:01 together, the trio had an xGF% of 93.97 while also recording an 8-1 scoring chances advantage. Their line also scored the game’s first goal, with all three members recording at least one individual even-strength high-danger scoring chance. Ultimately, it was a good start for the trio, who demonstrated they can be effective at both ends of the ice.
Lastly, Quinn Hughes once again put on a show. During his 17:04 of even-strength ice time, the Canucks outshot Buffalo 14-2 and had a 12-1 high-danger chances advantage. Hughes also finished with two assists, an xGF% of 95.35, created three rebounds, and threw arguably the biggest hit of his career. Vancouver’s captain stepped up in a massive way and showed why he is the favourite to win this year’s Norris Trophy.
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