The Stats Behind Round 2, Game 2: Oilers 4, Canucks 3 (OT)

Welcome to this edition of "The Stats Behind The Game." This recurring deep dive breaks down the analytics behind each Vancouver Canucks game as recorded by Natural Stat Trick. In this article, we look back on the Canucks 4-3, Game 2 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers.

While the analytics were balanced through two periods, the Oilers took control in the third, burying Vancouver by the end of the game. Edmonton finished Game 2 with a 27-16 even-strength scoring chances advantage while winning the high-danger scoring chances battle 13-6. This was almost entirely due to the play of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, as the two superstars took over the game in the third and led the Oilers to a win. 

The best way to describe the heatmap from this game is problematic. Edmonton was able to generate from virtually anywhere in the offensive zone, with the Canucks having no real answer on how to shut down the Oilers. Very simply, this type of heatmap can not be replicated otherwise, Vancouver could find themselves facing elimination before they return to Rogers Arena.

To wrap things up, one positive for the Canucks was the pairing of Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek. In 19:15 of even-strength ice time, the duo had an xGF% of 74.53, while Vancouver had a 4-0 high-danger scoring chances advantage. If this pair can continue to control play while on the ice in Game 3, it should go a long way in the Canucks picking up a win at Rogers Place. 

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