Canucks’ Markstrom reassigned to Utica; Miller to backup Lack Thursday vs. Coyotes
9 years ago
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Ryan Miller probably won’t face down any NHL shooters on Thursday night when the Canucks host the Arizona Coyotes, but he will apparently be dressed and in uniform for the first time since spraining his knee on Feb. 22.
Canucks backup Jacob Markstrom was spotted leaving Rogers Arena on Thursday with his bags packed, apparently headed to rejoin the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League. The team has since confirmed that Miller will don his ball cap on Thursday, as he prepares to get into a tune-up game on Sunday against the Edmonton Kingslayers Oilers.
On Wednesday Miller broached the subject of potentially backing up Lack against the Coyotes, and hinted that it was a possibility.
“That’s the conversation I still need to have and it might even carry into tomorrow so we can’t accurately tell you guys anything right now,” Miller told reporters, via Cam Tucker of Metro News Vancouver.
“It’s something where I have to have a talk with the training staff first, then it goes on to the coaching staff. I’d like to be an option. That’s been my goal the whole time … to get myself where I’m clear and ready and from there, coaches can start to make the lineup.”
While Miller is expected to get into a game before the end of the regular season, little question remains that Eddie Lack will be in the Canucks net for the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Jason Botchford summarized the open shut case on Wednesday:
One goalie is injured, and one is not.One has played 21 of the past 22 and put up a .924 save percentage, facing 31.8 shots per game. One may play once in seven weeks.One has two consecutive wins against the L.A. Kings. In those, he made 61 saves on 63 shots.The other? If all goes right, he may get to play the Oilers.Monday was Lack’s judgment day. It should have ended the debate.All people should have left to anguish about is the six-day break between starts Lack is staring down if Ryan Miller gets Saturday’s regular-season finale.
Markstrom meanwhile will join a Comets side that has won 10-straight games and is poised – even expected – to make some serious news in the Calder Cup playoffs. Though Markstrom has been shaky in NHL duty, he’s an elite – even a superelite- AHL goaltender. He’s a huge add for that Vancouver’s foremost minor league affiliate.
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