Article content

The 2023-24 Vancouver Canucks surprised many. At the start of the season, most thought they should be a playoff team, but few thought they were close to Stanley Cup contender status.

And in so many ways, that assessment is confirmed, practically from game to game.

Think about the past week, for instance. Impressive showings against two true Stanley Cup contenders in the Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche, a shocking dud against the stumbling Boston Bruins, a blown lead against a hustling Utah squad.

What is this team? Are they the definition of a paper tiger, something that looks tough but under the surface isn’t? Or are they a powerful team just looking to find their way? Let’s take a look.

According to Clear Sight Analytics, the Canucks are 12th in the NHL at creating high-percentage chances, as in chances that historically have stood a good probability of becoming goals.

That’s fine, but elite teams still do better.

The good news is the Canucks have been stouter on defence. They are currently seventh-best in preventing high-percentage chances against (and fifth since Filip Hronek went down with his shoulder injury) — a clear sign the Canucks are dialled in on defence.

This defensive focus has come at an offensive cost, though. Their overall high-percentage rate for was higher, top-10 even, until Hronek’s injury. With J.T. Miller already out of the lineup, the Canucks buckled down on their risk-taking and are 20th in the NHL since his injury in creating high-percentage chances.