Vancouver will struggle to match the consistency of Las Vegas in 2024

(Image credit: SinBin.vegas photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Tonight the Golden Knights host one of the most disappointing teams in the NHL this season. The Vancouver Canucks were full of praise for a fantastic 2023-24 season. Vancouver made it to the postseason, head coach Rick Tocchet won the Jack Adams Award and team captain Quinn Hughes took home the Norris Trophy. However, the Canucks have fallen short of expectations on the ice this season and are faltering.

Pacific Division standings through December 19th

1. Vegas: 43 points – (2023-24: 45 points)
2. LA: 40 points – (2023-24: 36 points)
3. EDM: 38 points – (2023-24: 27 points)
4. VAN: 38 points – (2023-24: 41 points)
5. CGY: 36 points – (2023-24: 27 points
6. SEA: 32 points – (2023-24: 27 points)
7. ANA: 28 points – (2023-24: 20 points)
8. SJ: 27 points – (2023-24: 21 points)

Not only did the Canucks push Vegas to the top of the standings, but Vancouver was also ahead in many statistics. At this point, the Canucks won 19 regular season games last season and 13 this season through mid-December. Conversely, Vegas has three more regular season wins than at Christmas time last year. It is safe to assume that the true identity of a team can only be determined by its regular season wins. Luckily, there are no more three-on-three games or shootouts in the playoffs.

We must be ready to leave tomorrow. We can’t come out with the same start as we did tonight. -Dakota Joshua, VAN striker

Unlike Vegas, Vancouver has difficulty finishing the game or making a comeback. The main reason for this is that the Canucks’ point total has dropped dramatically. This time last year they were first in the NHL with a respectable 3.83 goals per game. They are now about league average at 3.16 GPG. On the other hand, Vegas has averaged about 3.40 goals per game in 31 contests in consecutive seasons. It’s just another example when comparing the consistencies of each club.

#Canucks Now 3-6 in games decided after 60 minutes. 6 points left on the table. 3-5 in OT with game breakers they have doesn’t make much sense https://t.co/DiqX2vjNDy

— Jeff Paterson (@patersonjeff) December 19, 2024

Goal difference is another statistic that can be helpful in measuring a team’s balance. Vegas sits in third place in the Western Conference with a goal difference of +16. Vancouver is a paltry +2. Ready for this? The Canucks were +41 on this day in 2023. These numbers alone should raise alarm bells.

We had a 2-0 lead and we have to hold on to that. Every game is a learning lesson. -Rick Tocchet, VAN trainer

It’s not that Vegas has nothing to play for tonight, but there won’t be a stampede across the valley if they come away empty-handed. Sure, it’s still relatively early, but the city of Vancouver could fall if the Canucks score against the Golden Knights tonight. The calls for Tocchet’s sacking will only grow louder if there is defeat on consecutive nights. Especially if Vegas shows the consistent winning style that Vancouver wants.