The Stats Behind Game #45: Sabres 3, Canucks 2

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 3-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.

Latest From THN's Vancouver Canucks Site:

Canucks Tocchet Gives His Thoughts On McDavid & Myers Suspensions

The Players Behind The Canucks' Quarter-Century Team

"It's A Privilege To Play With Him": Canucks Boeser Discusses What Makes Quinn Hughes So Special

The Canucks not only lost on the scoreboard but from an analytics perspective as well. The Sabres finished with a 25-24 even-strength scoring chances battle and produced more even-strength high-danger scoring chances by a count of 10-9. Ultimately, the Canucks play in the first and third periods cost them as they failed to protect a 2-1 lead heading into the final frame.

As for the heatmap, it was a mess for Vancouver. Buffalo was able to generate shots from all over the zone, including right beside Thatcher Demko. The Canucks also struggled to create chances, as only six of the 34 shots Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen were registered as high-danger shots.

Overall, it was a complicated night for Jake DeBrusk, Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser. While the trio finished the night with a 6-1 high-danger scoring chances advantage during their 11:13 together, they were on the ice for Buffalo's first goal of the night. In the end, though, they did find the back of the net themselves and had a strong game as a trio.

To wrap things up, one player who had a sneaky good game was Vincent Desharnais. During his 16:03 of even-strength ice time, Vancouver had an 8-4 shots advantage and won the high-danger scoring chances battle 3-0. In the end, these are the types of performances Desharnais should be delivering on a nightly basis, as he had a positive impact on the game.

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.