HC Rick Tocchet makes his feelings known about Vancouver Canucks forward's performance after month-long absence

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Dec 13, 2024 11:42 GMT

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Vancouver Canucks forward JT Miller made his return after a month-long absence in the team’s 4-0 victory over the Florida Panthers. Miller, who is signed to a seven-year, $56 million contract, contributed two assists in his return.

Canucks coach Rick Tocchet praised Miller for his effort against Panthers star Aleksander Barkov, saying:

"He's arguably one of the best players in the league. He's a big part of our team. That's hard to do - Not play for a month, and come in there and do what he did." (9:32)

"He had a couple points. But I thought he, played him against Barkov, he played 14-15 minutes." Tocchet added. "It's kind of what I wanted to play him. I thought he did a good job against Barkov. He's a big guy in the middle. It's tough to go around him."

The Vancouver Canucks dominated the game and ended the Panthers' seven-game point streak. Kevin Lankinen recorded his third shutout of the season with 27 saves. Carson Soucy and Danton Heinen scored goals in the first period to give the Canucks an early lead. Brock Boeser extended his lead in the second. Jake DeBrusk scored a power-play goal in the third period to seal the victory.

Despite the Panthers' strong offensive record, they were stifled by the Canucks’ defense and Lankinen’s solid performance. The Panthers struggled to generate offense, and the Canucks limited high-quality chances, handing Florida their first shutout loss of the season.

Vancouver Canucks maintained control, for which Kevin Lankinen praised JT Miller

The Vancouver Canucks put forth a balanced play and dominated the Florida Panthers at Rogers Arena. The Panthers recorded 27 shots and Canucks recorded 19 but Canucks had the edge in the faceoffs with 56.1%. JT Miller and Max Sasson helped the Canucks maintain control.

Kevin Lankinen praised Miller's presence in the lineup. He said (via NHL.com):

“I think it was a big statement win for us. Getting J.T. back was a huge boost for the team, and the way he came in and the kind of effort he put was a big part of the win tonight. We're just really happy to have him back.”

Vancouver Canucks will play Boston Bruins next on Saturday.