The Stats Behind Game #15: Islanders 5, Canucks 2

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 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders. 

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The analytics for this game were a disaster for the Canucks. They lost the even-strength scoring chances battle 21-18 while only generating two high-danger chances compared to 11 given up. From an analytics perspective, this was not only one of the worst performances of the season but arguably during the Rick Tocchet era.

As for the heatmap, it was a mess. Vancouver could not protect the front of the net, which resulted in three goals against. From failing to box out players to questionable decision-making in the defensive zone, the Canucks could not find a way to slow down New York.

To wrap things up, one player who did have a positive night was Elias Pettersson. He created one of Vancouver’s top even-strength high-danger chances, while his 50% even-strength SF% ranked second on the team. Pettersson also led the team in shots with six, drew a penalty, threw two hits and blocked a shot. While he didn’t end up on the scoresheet, he was easily one of the Canucks best players and, after a slow start, is starting to look like his old self.