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 5-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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The even-strength analytics for this game feature a rare split. While the Canucks came away with more even-strength scoring chances at 21-17, they lost the even-strength high-danger battle 8-4. In the end, while the two teams finished tied in even-strength goals, the Penguins were able to convert on the power play, which ended up preventing a comeback from Vancouver.

The heatmap from this game was a mess, as the Canucks could not protect their crease at all. Four of the five goals can from in tight, with Pittsburgh essentially setting up camp in front of Artūrs Šilovs for the entire first period. While there were some issues on the offensive side, the way Vancouver played defensively was very problematic.

As for one player who stood out, that would be Elias Pettersson, who was one of the team's best forwards yet again. In 15:00 of even-strength ice time, he finished with a goal, a primary assist, two shots, an individual high-danger chance and an xGF% of 67.78. After a slow start, Pettersson is hitting his stride and is showing that he can put this team on his back.

To wrap things up, the pair of Quinn Hughes and Filip Hroenk once again had a monster game. During their 19:07 together at even-strength, the Canucks outshot the Penguins 10-4, had a 3-1 goals advantage and won the scoring chances battle 7-2. This duo continues to show why they are one of the best in the league, as their possession numbers and analytics often look like those from a video game.