The Stats Behind Game #34: Canucks 4, Sharks 3

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 4-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks.

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The analytics for this game were heavily skewed because of the way the third period was played. San Jose finished with a 20-12 even-strength scoring chances advantage because of the 14 scoring chances they recorded in the third. As for the even-strength, high-danger scoring chances battle, that was a lot close, but the Sharks still came out on top 7-6.

As for the heatmap, the Canucks did a good job of protecting the net. While San Jose was able to generate scoring chances, Thatcher Demko only faced five high-danger shots, stopping all of them. In the end, Vancouver did a good job protecting the front of the net, especially in the third period.

Due to Elias Pettersson's injury, the forward lines were shuffled around, but the best was the trio of Dakota Joshua, Pius Suter and Conor Garland. The Canucks third line finished the night with a 2-0 high-danger scoring chances advantage in their 6:30 of ice time. While they were on the ice for a goal against, the trio played well and were able to keep the Sharks hemmed in their own zone for the majority of the night.

Lastly, Vancouver's best player was easily Quinn Hughes. Despite nursing an injury, Hughes finished the night with two assists and an even-strength xGF% of 66.32%. Nights like tonight show why Hughes should not just be considered for the Norris Trophy but also should be in the conversation for the Hart Trophy this season.