In anticipation of the next installment of the new Canucks versus the old Canucks, it’s time to let some numbers set the stage.

*The Canucks have scored a grand total of two goals in three games against Anaheim this season. And that’s been enough to win two of three contests. Yet despite winning two of three, the Canucks actually trail the season series. Yes, the Canucks are 2-1 against the Ducks, but Anaheim holds the edge in the head to head meetings (although given the direction of the two teams and their current spots in the standings, it doesn’t appear the tie-breaker will be required). Welcome to math #NHLstyle

*How is it possible that one team can lead in victories and the other leads the season series? Both Canucks wins have come via 2-1 shootouts – on October 12th in Anaheim and January 1st at Rogers Arena. The Ducks prevailed 4-0 when the two teams met on November 30th at Honda Center. So the Canucks are 2-1 in the season series while the Ducks are 1-0-2. Both teams have garnered four points from the three games, but the Ducks have the only regulation or overtime victory. According to the NHL, that’s the first tie-breaker when teams are tied in points. So advantage Ducks.

*The Canucks have managed to win two of three games against Anaheim despite not holding a lead for any of the 190 minutes the two teams have played so far this season. The Ducks’ Sami Vatanen opened the scoring in Anaheim in October before Adam Cracknell responded with his first goal as a Canuck. On New Year’s Day, Ryan Kesler scored ‘the biggest goal of his NHL career’ or something like that on a second period power play to give Anaheim a 1-0 lead before Chris Tanev replied for the Canucks with a seeing eye shot through traffic to tie the game at one. Those games were settled in a shootout. And obviously with the Canucks failing to find the scoresheet on November 30th, they didn’t hold the lead at any point in that game

*The New Year’s Day win was remarkable in that it marks just one of two victories this season the Canucks have managed when trailing after 40 minutes. They are 2-19-1 when behind after two periods. They came back to beat Anaheim on January 1st and rallied to knock off Florida 3-2 in overtime on Daniel Sedin’s power play goal on January 12th

*Kind of tells you all need to know about Canucks vs Ducks this season:

*Cracknell and Alex Edler share the team lead in shots on goal against Anaheim this season with seven. Yep, Adam Cracknell leading all Canucks forwards in shots against the Ducks. That goes a long way to explaining the two goals the team has scored

*although not likely to get the start on Thursday, Jacob Markstrom has given Canucks coaches something to think about as the team gets set to face the Ducks. Markstrom has made two appearances against Anaheim this season: one start and one in relief. He’s 1-0 with a 0.79 GAA and a .966 save percentage allowing only the Kesler power play goal in 76:21 of work

*It’s been a struggle for Radim Vrbata this season. That’s plain for all to see. He’s been particularly quiet against Pacific Division opponents with 0+1=1 in 14 divisional games. He had an assist in Arizona on October 30th but hasn’t found the scoresheet in the past eight against division foes. Vrbata’s not alone, however. Bo Horvat has 2+0=2 in 14 Pacific division games while Sven Baertschi has 0+2=2 in 10 divisional games