"Been giving him too much respect": J.T. Miller discloses how his line shut down Connor McDavid in Game 5 

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified May 17, 2024 12:00 GMT

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller shared his thoughts on how his line effectively neutralized Connor McDavid during their Game 5 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday at Rogers Arena.

It was probably the best game from the Canucks in the series so far, as they dominated the Oilers from start to finish. However, it was J.T. Miller's last-minute goal that ultimately secured them a 3-2 win and go up 3-2 in the series.

The Edmonton Oilers' offense cooled down after the first period, as they only managed to register four shots in the second period compared to Canucks' 17. In the third period, the Canucks did a fantastic job of shutting down the Oilers and preventing them from creating any high-danger chances.

In the post-game media interaction, Miller discussed how he and his linemates, Brock Boeser and Pius Suter effectively contained Connor McDavid throughout the game.

Miller said (quote starts from 2:30 onwards) that it was their aggressive playing style that enabled them to limit McDavid's time with the puck and disrupt his plays (via Vancouver Canucks on X):

"Without being disrespectful, last couple games. Me, Brock, and Suter have been kind of given Connor a little too much respect; you're playing not to get squared on a little bit, Miller said after the game. "And when you do that he just gets more time with the puck."

Miller added:

"So I thought we kind of just went back to playing our game and being more aggressive, and whenever there is a situation where it's time to be above him, worry about it when it happens, but I thought maybe we just were a little more aggressive today and we're able to extend some of his own time."

McDavid has accumulated 18 points in the post-season so far. However, the Canucks appeared to have found a way to stop him from having any effect on the ice.

He has garnered six points in the series so far and only one in the last three games, tying third for the worst three-game span in McDavid's playoff career. In Game 5, he had two shots.

However, the Oilers had their fair share of opportunities to strike and were fairly even in terms of seven shots attempted in the third period compared to the Canucks' eight.

Oilers vs Canucks Game 5 stats (courtesy/NHL)

Despite the Oilers having their opportunities, they went 0-5 on the powerplay, including three chances in the first period where they couldn't capitalize and put the Canucks under pressure.

Moreover, the Canucks also outperformed the Oilers in terms of hits, shots, and overall effort throughout the game. It was a well-deserved win for the Vancouver Canucks.

J.T. Miller on game-winning goal against Oilers in Game 5

Miller scored the game-winning goal with 33 seconds remaining in the final period. The goal was followed after Elias Lindholm took a shot from the right wing, and the puck deflected off Elias Pettersson's skate near the top of the crease.

The puck then hit the right of the post and bounced in front of Miller for an easy tap-in. It turned out to be a fortunate bounce for the Canucks as Miller was in the right position at the right time to slot the puck into the back of the net to secure the crucial goal.

Miller had this to say about the goal (via NHL.com):

“I was open for a split second earlier and I'm glad 'Lindy' didn't force it there because [Connor] McDavid was ready to go the other way and it's one of the ones where we got a nice bounce,” Miller said. “'Petey' went to the net and it him in the foot and off the post, and I think I got a little lucky.

"That puck was kind of all over the place. So, just nice to get rewarded at the end of the game.”

The Edmonton Oilers will look to stave off the elimination when Game 6 returns to Rogers Place on Saturday.