“Putting the ball in the net” is a commonly used phrase in hockey.
The Vancouver Canucks got a lot of money around and near the net in Game 2, but not enough of it at the net – or at the net.
In the previous 1-4 loss Nashville Predators on Tuesday, tying the first-round series 1-1, the Canucks recorded an impressive 84 shots — 37 of them in the third period alone. Meanwhile, Predators only have 36.
The plus-48 shot differential is the highest the Canucks have had in a game since 2010.
However, out of those 84 shots, only 18 actually went into the net. The Canucks had a much smaller advantage over their opponents in this category as the Predators recorded 16 shots on goal.
Nashville goalkeeper Juuse Saros was able to stop 17 of the Canucks' 18 shots on goal, posting a save percentage of .944. Saros benefited from his team's 32 blocked shots, which certainly played a big role in the difference between the Canucks' shots compared to their shots on goal.
Across the field, Vancouver goalkeeper Casey DeSmith was also not very successful. The backup, the one who started with Thatcher Demko injured, conceding 3 goals before this team also conceded an empty goal in the final minutes of the match.
After the game, Canucks captain Quinn Hughes said the group should replicate Tuesday's attack effort in the future.
“I think for the most part we need to continue to go to the net and have that shooting mentality,” he said. “Just keep building.”
The Canucks opened the series on Sunday with a 4-2 win over the Predators. The series now moves to Nashville for the next two games. Catch Friday's Game 3 action starting at 4:30pm PT/ 7:30pm ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
