Vancouver Canucks Defeat Colorado: 5 Thoughts
By David Joun
Thought No. 2: Markstrom over Miller?
Jacob Markstrom was spectacular once again in place of Ryan Miller. He made 29 saves on 30 shots while earning an assist for himself on Horvat’s 10th of the season. With that, the Canucks are 5-0-1 in the last six of Markstrom’s starts.
In the last 11 games that Markstrom as played (ever since Miller went down with the cramps), Markstrom has saved 323 of 346 shots he has faced. that is a .934 save percentage and a 2.09 goals against average.
More from The Canuck Way
- Which team won the Bo Horvat trade?
- What to expect from newcomers Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Räty
- Back to the future: How the skate uniforms became a regular Canucks’ feature night
- Canucks kick off 2023 with disappointing 6-2 loss to Islanders
- 2nd period penalty trouble sinks Canucks in 4-2 loss against Winnipeg
Miller hasn’t been bad either. In the seven games following his injury, he has a .933 save percentage and a 2.29 goals against average.
So what do I mean that Markstrom is trumping Miller?
It is not about their play, but the play of the team in front of them.
The team plays better with Miller in front of them. Shot-wise, at least. Funny thing is that Markstrom has a slightly better stat-line than Miller does.
With Miller in net, the Canucks are putting up 48.4 percent Corsi For as a team. But with Markstrom in net, the Canucks drop to 44.9 percent Corsi For.
It is one thing to never play above the 50 percent Corsi For mark. It is another thing when the back-up gets tougher minutes than the starter does.
When the back-up plays better than the starter does despite these factors against him? You got a case for a classic Vancouver Canuck goaltending controversy.
Next: Thought No.3: The Defence Steps Up