The Stats Behind Game #37: Canucks 4, Kraken 3 (SO)

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 overtime victory over the Seattle Kraken

Latest From THN's Vancouver Canucks Site:

Canucks Prospects At The 2025 World Juniors Update: January 2

BREAKING: Canucks' Thatcher Demko Leaves Game Against Seattle

Canucks Official Betting Partner Offering Pettersson & Miller Trade Odds

Thanks to an explosive second period, the Canucks won both on the scoresheet and from an analytics perspective. Vancouver finished the night with a 28-18 even-strength scoring chances advantage while tying the Kraken with seven even-strength high-danger scoring chances. As mentioned, Vancouver had a massive middle frame, recording 15 even-strength scoring chances and five even-strength high-danger scoring chances in 18:45 of ice time.

As for the heatmap, the Canucks did a good job of forcing Seattle to take shots from distance. Vancouver only gave up six high-danger shots all night but struggled in the offensive zone, finishing with three total high-danger shots. Ultimately, the Canucks did a good job in their own zone on Thursday, but they need to work on getting more shots on the net moving forward. 

While he wasn't named first star of the game, Vancouver's best player was easily Conor Garland. During his 17:01 of even-strength ice time, the Canucks held a 9-4 shots advantage and won the scoring chances battle 12-3. Garland has been arguably one of Vancouver's most consistent forwards all season and was able to step up massively against the Kraken.

Lastly, it was a strong performance from the pairing of Vincent Desharnais and Derek Forbort. During their 16:19 of even-strength ice time, the Canucks outshot Seattle 10-4, while the duo finished with an xGF% of 79.61. In the end, Desharnais and Forbort were difference-makers on the blue line and showed they could be a successful tandem.