Is the Canucks depth unparalleled?

The Canucks have played beyond my wildest dreams as of late. Last night's 2-1 win over Colorado not only was their fourth straight win, but it boosted their record to 10-0-2 over their last 12 (no regulation losses since December 5), increased their division lead to an impressive 8 points, and earned them 53 points in just 37 games. We're tied for the most points in the NHL with Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Philly, and ESPN is listing us as the #1 team in the Western Conference, thanks to having less losses than Detroit. 

While Roberto Luongo wants us to think that the game last night was all about how he was robbed of a shutout by what he believes was a bad call (he still earned first star honors for stopping 31 of 32), we all know that the game was really another showcase of the deep talent this Orca squad has. Mason Raymond, back after missing 10 games to a broken thumb, played on the fourt line and scored what would eventually become the game winner. The other Vannie goal was scored by first time NHL goal scorer and fourth line center Alex Bolduc. The 'Nucks are hot as can be, and their amazing depth (see token blue line injuries) has to be presented as one of the main reasons for their success. So, does their depth have an equal among the elite squads knotted at the 53 point mark?

To explore the issue, we'll look at the number of players each team has with more than 10 points:

Vancouver: 14
Pittsburgh: 11
Detroit: 14
Philly: 14

To get a little bigger picture, let's look at the number of players on each team with a positve +/- rating:

Vancouver: 16
Pittsburgh: 17
Detroit: 16
Philly: 18

Finally, we'll look at the number of players with over 15 minutes of ATOI:

Vancouver: 17
Pittsburgh: 13
Detroit: 16
Philly: 15

Now we'll add up all three of those attempts at figuring out depth statistically, and lump them together to create a "Team Depth" stat:

Vancouver: 47
Pittsburgh: 41
Detroit: 46
Philly: 47

So, if you agree with my break down of team depth for the four best teams in the NHL (according to the points, at least), you'd agree that the Canucks and the Flyers have an equal depth, with Detroit just off the mark, and the Penguins relying heavier on stars than the other three. But, when depth versus depth was tested back on December 28, 2010, the depth from British Columbia clearly showed it's superiority. A 6-2 Vancouver win over the Flyers not only warmed all of our hearts, but also possibly ended the debate about which of the NHL's top 4 teams has the best depth. While the Flyers got goals from Briere (17 at that point on the year) and Carter (14 at that point on the year), the Canucks were carried to victory by the likes of Manny Malhotra (6 goals at that point), Jannik Hansen (4), and Jeff Tambellini (9). Who needs the stats when you have that kind of proof?

Tonight the Canucks travel to San Jose, a city I was in less than 30 hours ago, and look to continue their thrilling play. While the Sharks have won their last three straight, everyone in HP Pavilion knows who the hotter team is right now.

Down with the Teal.

-- Sent from my Palm Prē