In a tightly contested matchup, the Vancouver Canucks fell 2-0 to the Ottawa Senators. Despite the loss, the Canucks showed grit and determination, keeping fans engaged right until the final buzzer.
Statistically, these teams were neck and neck, reflecting a game that was much closer than the scoreline suggests. Let's dive into the numbers that defined this battle on the ice.
Game Flow
The Canucks found themselves on the back foot during the first period, managing only a 33.33 CF% and a 24.48 xGF%. They faced a 2-8 deficit in scoring chances and a 2-5 hole in high-danger opportunities.
Yet, the Senators’ lead in expected goals for (xGF) was a mere 0.73 to 0.24, indicating that the Canucks weren't too far off. As the game progressed, it balanced out to a near 50/50 split.
Vancouver even edged out Ottawa 4-2 in high-danger chances for the remainder of the contest, showcasing a resilient defensive effort.
Heat Map Insights
The heat map tells a story of two evenly matched teams. Ottawa had an 18-13 advantage in overall chances and a slight 7-6 lead in high-danger opportunities.
While the Senators’ crease presence was slightly more pronounced, Vancouver’s defense did well to limit their effectiveness. Offensively, the Canucks have room for improvement, but they avoided being overwhelmed by Ottawa.
Individual Advanced Stats
- Corsi Champ: Curtis Douglas, making his debut, led the Canucks with a 75.00 CF% in limited ice time. He maintained a 1-1 split in scoring chances and a 56.26 xGF%, showing promise despite his brief stint on the ice. His size and potential make him a player to watch as he aims to secure a regular spot.
- Corsi Chump: Marcus Pettersson faced the tough task of shutting down Tim Stützle, resulting in a 16.67 CF%. Despite this, he managed to limit the Senators to just three high-danger chances during his time on ice, turning his own limited opportunities into high-danger chances. No goals against during his shifts is commendable given the competition.
- xGF Leader: Filip Hronek led with a 66.84 xGF%, capitalizing on an 8-5 lead in scoring chances and a 3-2 edge in high-danger opportunities. He excelled against Brady Tkachuk’s line, boasting a 73.91 CF%. His efforts, alongside Zeev Buium’s 0.69 xGF, were crucial in keeping the Canucks competitive.
- GSAx Performance: Kevin Lankinen faced 2.48 xGF and allowed only one high-danger goal, achieving a 1.48 GSAx. His performance between the pipes was a significant factor in keeping the Canucks in the game, though more offensive support would have been beneficial.
Statistical Musings
The fourth line of Max Sasson, Teddy Blueger, and Linus Karlsson stood out, posting a 62.50 CF% and leading with a 0.24 xGF. They managed three scoring chances at 5v5 and maintained an even split in high-danger chances. While their performance was impressive, it highlights the need for more contributions from other lines.
Overall Team Performance
- CF%: 43.68%
- HDCF%: 38.89%
- xGF%: 27.80%
This wasn’t the worst loss for the Canucks, especially considering their struggles this season. They remained competitive and didn’t succumb to a blowout at home, which marks progress since the Olympic break. With a bit of rest, they'll look to build on this performance as they prepare to face the Nashville Predators.