The Stats Behind Game #2: Flyers 3, Canucks 2 (SO)

Welcome to this edition of the Vancouver Canucks Postgame Analysis Report. This recurring deep dive breaks down the analysis behind every Canucks game as recorded by Natural Stat Trick. In this article we look back at Vancouver's recent 3-2 shootout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.

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The Canucks were by far the better team when it came to analysis. At even strength, Vancouver won the battle for scoring chances 24:12 and at the same time had a 7:3 advantage in the most dangerous scoring chances. In fact, the Canucks were so good at limiting dangerous chances that the Flyers didn't have a single chance until the third period. Overall, the team played well defensively, but couldn't generate enough offense to get the win.

The heat map is one of the reasons Vancouver's loss was so frustrating. They did a great job at both ends of the ice but couldn't get the puck past Samuel Ersson. If the Canucks can continue to create chances like they did tonight while also playing strong defensively, they should get more wins out of games than losses.

As far as the forward group goes, the best trio of the night was the fourth line of Pius Suter, Teddy Blueger and Kiefer. In 8:25 minutes of ice time, Vancouver had a 4-1 lead with high scoring chances, with the trio also outscoring Philadelphia 1-0. They were also a physical presence, combining for nine hits on the night. This trio has developed a certain chemistry that will be beneficial throughout the season if the front six fail to find the net.

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Finally, I would like to say that Quinn Hughes deserves a lot of praise for his play. He played 31:28, of which 22:48 were even. With the same strength on the ice, the Canucks had a goal chances advantage of 12:3 and won the highly dangerous goal chances battle 4:2. Ultimately, Hughes led by example and was once again one of Vancouver's best players, if not the best, on the night.