Analytics Proving the Vancouver Canucks Might Not Need an Upgrade on Defense Despite Trade Talks
The Vancouver Canucks were handed a daunting task to start the 2024/25 NHL season when they learned they'd be without star goalie Thatcher Demko for the foreseeable future.
So far though, the team has been up to the task, and it's been in large part due to their team defence.
While the Canucks aren't leading the Pacific division as they were last season, they are in the thick of the playoff race without their starter and now missing two of their top forwards.
NHL stats writer JFresh shared that throughout the entire league, the Canucks are 3rd overall in 5v5 expected goals against per 60 minutes.
5v5 expected goals against per 60 essentially tracks a team's ability to limit scoring chances against, something the Canucks have been stalwarts about this season.
It's a testament to the players, as well as the coaching of Rick Tocchet.
Canucks team D covering up for goaltending
Kevin Lankinen has served as an adequate option this season, but youngster and playoff hero last season Arturs Silovs has struggled.
Overall, the Canucks have just an .884 team save percentage, well below league average.
Getting their healthy star goaltender back and keeping up this level of team defence could give the Canucks a real chance to rocket up the standings in a tight western conference.
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