The Stats Behind Game #31: Utah 3, Canucks 2 (OT)

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 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 chances advantage while also winning the high-danger scoring chances battle 11-9. In the end, it was surprising that the analytics were this close, as Vancouver was heavily outplayed during the first period.

As for 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 high-danger shots he faced. In the end, Vancouver’s inability to box out the opposition cost them, as Utah’s first goal of the game was a direct result of no one checking Clayton Keller in front of the net.

As for a standout from the game, that was clearly Conor Garland. At even-strength, the Canucks outshot Utah 12-6 and recorded a 14-6 scoring chances advantage when Garland was on the ice. Playing over 21 minutes in the game, Garland continues to drive play and be one of Vancouver’s most consistent players this season.

Lastly, Max Sasson had another impressive game. Despite playing less than 13 minutes, he led the team in even-strength individual high-danger chances with two and recorded three shots on goal. Sasson is clearly making the most of his opportunity in the top six and is showing he has some chemistry with Jake DeBrusk and Elias Pettersson.