By The Numbers: Canucks, Flames...Who's Better?

(Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images)

The race is tight.  One point separates two teams with their eyes on the Northwest Division title.  The Canucks have had an excellent last two months, the Flames have slowed down.  So which team is better poised to make a real run this year?  Perhaps some number crunching will give us the answer.

The team with the advantage is underlined.

Number of Points for the Top 6

• Canucks 333
  
• Flames 345

The Flames have some major offensive talent, but they've been shutout twice in their last two games, and Flames fans are searching for answers.

+/- Among Top-6 Point Earners

• Canucks +168
• Flames -12  (Only two with positive +/-)

Minus -12?!? That is very startling.

Number of Points for Top 3 Defencemen

• Canucks 96
  
• Flames 97

This is a wash.

#1 Goalie Save Percentage

• Canucks .917
  
• Flames .903

Both great numbers, but Luongo takes Kipper over 82.

#1 Goalie Goals Against

• Canucks 2.43 GAA
  
• Flames 2.87 GAA
  

        Again, pretty good numbers, but Luongo's got this one as well.

#1 Goalie Number of Shutouts

• Canucks 6 SO in 46 Games
  
• Flames 4 SO in 69 Games

I'm going to say it, Luongo is a better goalie.  Kipper is great, but he's no Luongo.  Not just by the numbers, but with other intangibles too.

Team +/-

• Canucks +155
  
• Flames -12

There are no words...

Goals For/Against

• Canucks GF 225 / GA 203 +22
  
• Flames GF 238 / GA 228 +10

The Canucks have a few less goals for, but who cares how many you score if you can't keep it out of your own net?

Looking at these numbers, I'm not sure you can make a case for the Flames.  With an absolutely appalling plus/minus and a goalie who has come short of Superman, you have a team who seems destined to disappoint.  They have been sputtering lately, going just 3-7 in their last 10.  They have a couple key injuries and a goalie that is probably pretty tired (69 GP?! Are you mad?!)

The Canucks, on the other hand, have been nothing short of spectacular.  They have two strong scoring lines, a great mix of veterans and young players, and a hungry competitive (and rested) goalie.  They are 6-3-1 in their last 10 and have slowly stolen momentum from the Flames.  At one point, the Canucks fell as low as 11th in the West; now they are poised to steal the Division from Calgary.

I'm not saying the Canucks will take the Division.  I'm not saying the Canucks will win the Cup or that the Flames have no chance.  What I am saying is that the Canucks are a better team by the numbers and there seems to be no reason to think they won't take the Northwest Division title.

The playoffs are a whole new game.  Maybe the Flames will get it together and find a way to win.  But I wouldn't count on it.

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