The Stats Behind Game #16: Canucks 4, Blackhawks 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 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. 

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The even-strength analytics were a lot closer than the should have been in this game. While the Canucks did have the advantage in high-danger scoring chances at 9-8, they lost the scoring chances battle 22-21. Even though Vancouver came away with the victory, they still struggled to create chances in the offensive zone, despite registering 29 even-strength shots on goal.

As for the heatmap, while the Canucks were able to limit chances from the guts of the ice, the Blackhawks were able to create opportunities right in front of Artūrs Šilovs. That being said, the Canucks did do a good job in the offensive zone, as they were able to crash the net on multiple occasions. Ultimatley, the main takeaway from this game is that while Vancouver's offence is getting better, they still have a ways to go when defending in their own zone.

The best line for the Canucks was easily the trio of Kiefer Sherwood, Elias Pettersson and Jake DeBrusk. During their 11:57 of ice time, Vancouver held a 7-2 shots advantage and won the high-danger scoring chances battle 6-1. The trio was also on the ice for the game-winning goal and most importantly, were able to neutralize Connor Bedard's line throughout the game.

Lastly, Saturday night may have been Aatu Räty's most impressive game of the season. During his 10:34 of even-strength ice time, the Canucks outshot Chicago 7-3 and held a 5-1 scoring chances advantage. As for Räty, he recorded a game-high six hits and went 7-1 in the faceoff dot. If Räty can keep putting together performances like this, it may be enough to solidify his spot in the lineup.