NHL: Colorado Avalanche at Vancouver Canucks - Source: Imagn — Mark Spector responds to Scottie Upshall's criticism of Vancouver media over Pettersson-Miller tensions (Source: Imagn)

Mark Spector responds to ex-NHLer's criticism of Vancouver media for stirring Miller-Pettersson drama

Modified Dec 23, 2024 12:03 GMT

NHL Analyst Mark Spector has responded to Scottie Upshall's criticism of Vancouver media's coverage of tensions between Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. Upshall, a former NHL player, posted on X, claiming the media were "bored" and should find a hobby. He suggested the situation was exaggerated and that the media was making too much of it.

"Vancouver media are just bored out of their minds… take up a hobby and go to a yoga class or something," Upshall wrote.

Mark Spector disagreed with Scottie Upshall, saying the drama would be a story in any city. He said it was important in Vancouver because it was affecting the team's performance. Spector felt the media's focus was justified since it impacted the Canucks on the ice.

"Has nothing to do with the market, Scottie. It would be a story in every city, and it's a big one in Vancouver right now. It's affecting team performance. Of course media is digging into it.," Spector posted on X.

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The relationship between Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller has been a topic of discussion for some time. The Canucks believed the issues were resolved after a strong season last year. However, signs of tension have surfaced again this season. Coach Rick Tocchet said disagreements between players are normal but emphasized professionalism and focusing on team goals.

“You don’t have to play PlayStation together or go to dinner,” Tocchet said (via yardbarker.com). “But you’re working toward the same goal.”

Despite the ongoing issues, the Canucks' leadership, including captain Quinn Hughes and Coach Rick Tocchet, believes the situation is fixable. Hughes expressed confidence that the team can work through the problem.

“I 100% believe it’s workable,” he said.

The Canucks are committed to keeping Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, as both are key players. However, their tension is a challenge that needs addressing.

Elias Pettersson responded to Miller rift rumors after Vancouver Canucks' OT loss to Senators

Following the Vancouver Canucks' 5-4 overtime defeat to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, Elias Pettersson addressed speculation about his relationship with J.T. Miller.

“It’s good," Elias said. "I don’t know why people try and make sh*t up. Excuse my language, but that’s my response to it.”

He denied any problems and responded firmly to the repeated questions.

“Oh my god, next question.”

Pettersson also discussed the game, expressing frustration with the team's mistakes, especially their struggles on the power play.

"Obviously good to battle back, but I think we shoot ourselves in the foot a little bit. I mean, power play, we can't do what we did there, letting it go," Elias said.

Despite multiple comebacks, the Canucks lost as Jake Sanderson scored in overtime after a 15-second rush.