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NHL analyst gives blunt take on J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson's heated exchange during practice
NHL insider Farhan Lalji shared his thoughts on the heated exchange between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson during the Vancouver Canucks' practice session on Thursday. The incident occurred at the end of a battle drill, where Miller cross-checked Pettersson, and some words followed. Lalji mentioned that Miller allegedly called Pettersson a "baby" after the scuffle.
"It wasn't just the scuffle, but it was the words after where Miller allegedly called Pettersson a baby at the end of it," Lalji said during his appearance on the 'Donnie and Dhali' podcast.
Lalji further talked about the tension between Miller and Pettersson. He said both players previously had an understanding that they didn't like each other. However, he believes the team’s atmosphere is good now.
"I think this is just what happens in a practice between guys, it happens on every team all the time. So, I don't want to read too much into it" Lalji added.
Lalji dismissed the idea that their contracts would cause problems, explaining that players don’t think about those things when emotions run high.
On Thursday, insider Jeff Pettersson explained the situation on X/Twitter as well:
"Brief but testy exchange between JT Miller & Elias Pettersson at #Canucks practice. End of a battle drill, two chopped at each other and then Miller delivered a quick cross check. A few words were exchanged. Wasn't any bigger than that. But it definitely looked like it had some heat. The two then went their separate ways. Didn't escalate to point coaches or teammates had to intervene."
Coach Rick Tocchet downplayed the incident, explaining that these things happen during practice. Miller has had a strong start this season, scoring six points, including an overtime goal. On the other hand, Pettersson has been slower but has picked up assists in recent games.
Elias Pettersson is focused on improvement amid goal drought
Elias Pettersson has three assists in six games, averaging 19:44 minutes of ice time per game. He earned assists in recent wins against the Philadelphia Flyers and Chicago Blackhawks. However, before the Blackhawks game, Pettersson hasn't scored an even-strength goal in 30 games, going back to the 2024 playoffs.
When asked about his slow start, Pettersson said:
"Yeah, I mean it’s easy to look at the stats and say I stink, but I feel like I’ve been better the last games. But all I can do is keep making plays and see what happens."
When asked if he felt pressure to perform, Pettersson replied:
"No, there’s always pressure, and I always want to play my best hockey whenever I’m out there. Some days go better than others, but yeah, I’m just going to try to be my best next game."
The Canucks will be back on the ice on Saturday when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins at Rogers Arena.
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