The Stats Behind Game #40: Capitals 2, Canucks 1 (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 2-1 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals.

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Despite almost doubling the Capitals shots on goal, the Vancouver Canucks lost the analytics battle. Washington held a 31-24 even-strength scoring chances advantage while the even-strength high-danger scoring chances were tied at 15. The moral of the story is not to trust shots on goal to determine which team was more dangerous, as the Capitals had a total of 43 shots either blocked or missed the net.

As for the heatmap, there was a lot of action right in front of both goaltenders. All three goals were scored off high-danger shots, with Kevin Lankinen stopping five of the seven he faced. While Vancouver did a good job of getting the scoring positions in the offensive zone, they need to work on their execution, as they were only able to bury one of 13 high-danger shots on the night.

While there were a few standouts, no Canucks player was better than Quinn Hughes. During his 23:37 of even-strength play, Vancouver held a 21-8 shots advantage and won the high-danger scoring chances battle 11-5. Despite still dealing with a hand injury, Hughes continues to show why he is not just one of the best defensemen in the league but why he should be a finalist for the Hart this season.

To wrap things up, the Canucks fourth line of Nils Höglander, Max Sasson and Phil Di Giuseppe put together an impressive performance. In their 6:40 of ice time, Vancouver held a 5-1 shots advantage and won the high-danger scoring chances battle 4-1. While they only play a limited role, the trio are winning their matchup and have a positive impact on the team's overall game.

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