Miller, Lankinen Spark Canucks To Win Over Panthers

JT Miller at a faceoff for the Vancouver Canucks

J.T. Miller returned to the Canucks lineup, following his 10 game personal leave of absence. He had two assists and was named the game’s first star in a 4-0 win over the defending Stanley Cup Champion, Florida Panthers. The crowd at Rogers Arena chanted his name in the late stages of the game.

Brock Boeser scored a goal in his 500th NHL game, and Kevin Lankinen posted his third shutout of the season and very easily could have been the first star himself. But that honor, on this night, was reserved for Miller.

J.T. spoke to the media pre-game, and informed them right off the bat that he was answering no questions about his leave, hockey questions only. And that’s the way it should be; it is absolutely no one’s business other than J.T., his family, and the team.

“Ya it was a big statement win for us,” Kevin Lankinen said post-game. “Obviously, getting J.T. back was a huge boost for the team, and the way he came in and what kind of effort he put in was a big part of the win tonight. Its just huge. We’re just really happy to have him back.”

Carson Soucy, Danton Heinen, and Jake DeBrusk also scored for the Canucks, who played their best game at home this season.

“It brings a big lift to our team,” said Brock Boeser of Miller’s return, “and just makes our team a lot deeper when he’s in the lineup. Yeah, it was awesome. It doesn’t surprise me. He’s such an elite player, and he shows what he can do night in and night out. He was great for us.”