The Stats Behind Game #33: Senators 5, Canucks 4 (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 5-4 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators.

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Despite losing in overtime, the Canucks did have the advantage on the analytics side. They finished with a 24-16 even-strength scoring chances advantage and won the even-strength high-danger scoring chances battle 11-9. In the end, though, the Senators had a 1-0 scoring chances advantage in overtime, which resulted in the game-winning goal.

The heatmap from this game shows just how problematic Vancouver's defending was all night. Whether it was tips or breakaways, the Canucks allowed the Senators to crash the net and create havoc in front of Kevin Lankinen. While Ottawa only generated 22 shots, almost half were high-danger shots, which is one of the reasons Vancouver fell in this game.

The Canucks top line from an analytics perspective was the trio of Jake DeBrusk, Elias Pettersson and Conor Garland. During their 11:31 of ice time, Vancouver outshot the Senators 3-1 and finished with an xGF% of 72.81. The trio was unable to score, but they did play well and were each able to create at least one individual high-danger chance.

Lastly, the Canucks best player was easily Quinn Hughes. During his 22:34 of even-strength ice time, Vancouver's captain had three points while holding a 15-5 shots advantage. It's been said many times, but somehow, Hughes is even better than last season and could be on his way to another Norris Trophy.