J.T. Miller's Late Game Heroics Leads Canucks To Win Over The Oilers In Game 5

Adam Kierszenblat

May 17, 2024, 06:23

Adam Kierszenblat

May 17, 2024, 06:23

The Vancouver Canucks took a 3-2 series lead over the Edmonton Oilers thanks to a 3-2 win in Game 5.

Photo by Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports - J.T. Miller's Late Game Heroics Leads Canucks To Win Over The Oilers In Game 5

J.T. Miller was the hero as his goal with 33 seconds remaining held up as the winner in the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 Game 5 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Carson Soucy and Phil Di Giuseppe also scored for the Canucks, while Artūrs Šilovs was solid, making 21 saves in the victory. Thanks to the victory, Vancouver is now one win away from advancing to the Western Conference Final for the fourth time in franchise history.

The story of Game 5 has to be the Canucks penalty kill. The Oilers went 0-5 on the night while only generating three shots on goal. As for Vancouver's penalty kill, they finished with two shots on net as they were able to frustrate Edmonton's top players all night. From massive blocks to physical play along the boards, it was a masterclass in penalty killing and ended up playing an enormous factor in the overall result.

Overall, there were no passengers on the Canucks roster in Game 5. From the top players to the fourth line, Vancouver received standout performances from virtually the entire roster. If they can emulate this performance on Saturday, they could be shaking hands at the end of Game 6.

Facts and Stats

- J.T. Miller's winner was the second latest playoff game-winner in franchise history

- Phillip Di Giuseppe became the seventh player in Canucks history to record their first career playoff goal at age 30 or older.

- The Canucks have held Connor McDavid to one point over the last three games

- Vancouver records 40+ hits for the sixth time this postseason

Quotes

Carson Soucy on the Canucks win:

"I think even just the confidence. We knew we were in a good spot. We know we got a great opportunity. Starting the best of three here, starting at home. We just wanted to play our best game. I think you saw that kind of with the confidence. We had the puck tonight. It's hard; you have to respect that group with all the skills they have, but almost give them too much respect that just kind of makes them better. So it's nice. We were hanging onto pucks tonight and keeping that play."

J.T. Miller on the game-winning goal:

"Was kinda open for a split second early. I'm kind of glad Lindy (Lindholm) didn't force it there because McDavid was ready to go the other way. It's one of those ones where we got a nice bounce. He (Pettersson) went to the net, and it got him in the foot or something, off the post and a little lucky the puck was all over the place. It's nice to get rewarded.

Rick Tocchet on Vancouver's performance:

"A lot of effort from a lot of different guys. Almost every single guy gave us everything they had. I thought the guys were terrific tonight. They really came to play. It was obviously one of our best games in the playoffs."

Rick Tocchet on preparing for Game 6:

"The next 48 hours is big. What we do, How we handle. It's a short prosperity. You know, we win a game big game, we go up three to two but I mean, it's going to be so tough on Saturday night. How do we manage these next 48 hours mentally and physically? That's the key. That's playoff hockey."

Scoring Summary

1st Period

EDM: 4:34- Evander Kane (3rd) from Leon Draisaitl and Vincent Desharnais

VAN: 17:27- Carson Soucy (1st)

EDM: 17:50- Mattias Janmark (1st) from Connor Brown and Brett Kulak

2nd Period

VAN: 5:14- Phillip Di Giuseppe (1st)

3rd Period

VAN: 19:27- J.T. Miller (3rd) from Elias Lindholm and Elias Pettersson

Game 5: Saturday, May 18 @ 5:00 pm PT from Rogers Place

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