Scenes from Canucks practice: JT Miller says he takes no offence over overtime benching as Boudreau explains decision
1 year ago
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It feels like forever since the Canucks have had multiple days in between games, but today, that’s the case.
After a day off yesterday, the Vancouver Canucks were out at UBC today as they prepare for their Saturday night home matchup with the Minnesota Wild.
Here’s what went down at morning skate.
Line Rushes
Per Rink Wide’s Jeff Paterson, the Canucks didn’t change their lines from Wednesday night’s overtime victory over the San Jose Sharks. That means they looked like this:
- It appears Jack Studnicka will get an extended look at the third line centre position, and as we talked about on a recent episode of Canucks Conversation, we’re big fans of that decision.
- Brock Boeser remains on Elias Pettersson’s wing along with Ilya Mikheyev, and the almost hat-trick man Dakota Joshua stays with his linemates as Sheldon Dries skated as the extra out at UBC today.
- Per Randip Janda of Sportsnet 650, Travis Dermott and Kyle Burroughs skated as the fourth pairing, with Riley Stillman and Tyler Myers expected to form the Canucks’ third pair once again tomorrow.
SCENES FROM MORNING SKATE PRESENTED BY BETWAY
What was said
Bruce Boudreau talked about not putting JT Miller out for overtime on Wednesday night, and offered some high praise of the Canucks’ eight-million-dollar man.
“Listen, JT, for the 80-something games I’ve been here, he’s been our best player, no doubt,” said Boudreau. “But every now and then, some players just have an off night, and we’ll do whatever we have to do to win in that particular moment. It doesn’t mean JT’s not gonna play 25 minutes tomorrow night. I have the utmost confidence in him but it wasn’t one of his stellar games, I guess.”
Miller’s 18:17 of ice time is the fourth lowest amount of ice time he’s logged in a game this season. Wednesday night in San Jose was also just the third game this season in which Miller didn’t record a single shot on goal.
JT Miller took no offence to the benching, and was just happy his team won the game in the end.
“It was a rough game, honestly,” said Miller. “You’re going to have those. There’s guys that were playing pretty well and were feeling it with the puck that game, so why not put them on? I’m not going to take it personal. The coach is going to do what he can to give the team a chance to win, so I’m sure I’ll get an opportunity next time. There’s 82 games, so I’m not going to lose any sleep over laying an egg and like I said, the good thing is we found a way to win the game.”
Miller went on to talk about Elias Pettersson’s overtime winner, his second in as many games.
“We have a lot of good players,” said Miller. “Obviously Petey’s been one of our best players throughout and there’s no doubt when he gets a chance in overtime that it’s gonna be a good look and a good chance to score, and we have five or six other guys that can go out there and do the exact same.”
Riding a three-game win streak and back at .500 for the first time this season, the Canucks will take on the 13-10-2 Wild tomorrow at home before enjoying three days off before their next game on Wednesday night. Puck drop is at 7 PM tomorrow from Rogers Arena.
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