NHL: Edmonton Oilers at Vancouver Canucks - Source: Imagn — Vancouver Canucks forward doesn't mince his words about showing in "worst game of the year". (Image Source: Imagn)

$56,000,000 Vancouver Canucks forward doesn't mince his words about showing in "worst game of the year"

Modified Nov 12, 2024 12:30 GMT

Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller opened up in his assessment of the team's recent performance against the Oilers.

The Canucks suffered a heavy 7–3 defeat to the Edmonton Oilers at home in their recent matchup, marking their worst game of the season. While Miller has been solid in most games, he admits he hasn't been as dynamic as last season.

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One of the big issues has been his physical play. He's not throwing as many hits as he used to, so the team cannot keep pressure on the opposition.

Moving forward, Miller is looking to ramp up his physicality to help the Vancouver Canucks spend more time in the offensive zone. During an interview with Sportsnet after the team practice at Rodgers Arena on Monday, he said:

"I know my last game ... wasn't a good game. But right now, the timing is off a bit with our forecheck. We're not extending O-zone time, and I think my lack of physicality has a lot to do with that. We're not spending a lot of time in the D-zone most nights; it's not like we're getting herded in by teams."

“Sometimes these stretches happen, and sometimes they're in the middle of the season and you brush them off. But it's frustrating now because it's at the beginning, right? You want to get off to a good start. Like I said, it's not bad. But, for sure, I have another gear in the sense of driving play. It's got to be from moving my feet and being physical, same as I always tell you."

His coach Rick Tocchet said this regarding his recent performance:

"He's hard on himself. He knows there's another level. We all know there's another level. You know, the last game was probably his worst game of the year. He'll tell you that. But he's had some good moments for us. He'll round it out."

Miller has racked up 11 points through five goals and six assists in 13 games this season, including 25 hits. He is currently inked to a seven-year, $56 million contract with the Canucks, which expires at the end of the 2029-30 season.

What's next for the Vancouver Canucks?

The Vancouver Canucks are fourth in the Pacific Division and 13th in the league standings with 17 points after 13 games. Last term, the Canucks topped the Pacific Division.

Quinn Hughes leads the club in scoring with 15 points through three goals and 12 assists, followed by Brock Boeser's 11 points. The Canucks are coming off a 7–3 defeat to the Edmonton Oilers in their recent matchup.

Overall, the Canucks have won three of their last five games and hope to return to winning ways when facing the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. The puck drops at 10 p.m. ET.