The Stats Behind Game #48: Canucks 2, Capitals 1

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 victory over the Washington Capitals.

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While the Canucks won on the scoresheet, they lost the analytics battle on Saturday night. Washington won the even-strength scoring chances battle 29-18 while also recording more even-strength high-danger scoring chances by a count of 11-7. This being said, it is important to note that the score did play a factor in the lopsided scoring chances, as Vancouver only recorded two in the third compared to 11 by the Capitals.

Overall, the heatmap was a positive one for the Canucks. While they did allow chances from close range, they were able to keep Washington out of high-danger areas for the majority of the night. In the end, Vancouver had a strong defensive performance at both ends of the ice on Saturday night.

Saturday also featured an NHL debut as defenceman Elias Pettersson hit the ice for the first time with the Canucks. As for his performance, he logged 10:37 of even-strength ice time and was on the ice during Vancouver's first goal of the game. While his minutes were limited, he didn't look out of place, which is a positive for a 20-year-old defenceman whose first career game comes against one of the most dangerous teams in the NHL.

Lastly, it was another extraordinary night for Quinn Hughes. The Canucks captain played 22:46 at even strength and finished the night with two goals and a 6-5 even-strength high-danger scoring chances advantage. It is hard to imagine where this team would be without Hughes as he continues his Hart Trophy campaign with another stellar performance.

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