Miller's ninth career OT goal served as the winner in the Canucks 2-1 victory over the Kings.
J.T. Miller played the hero as the Vancouver Canucks (40-17-7) defeated the L.A. Kings (31-19-11) 2-1 in overtime on Tuesday night. Despite giving up the first goal, Vancouver fought back and were eventually rewarded with tallies from Elias Pettersson in the second and Miller in overtime. With the victories, the Canucks become the first team in the West to 40 wins and now have 20 at both home and on the road.
While the Kings are a frustrating team to play against, Vancouver stayed patient and were eventually rewarded. The Canucks continued to press all night, and while Thatcher Demko was forced to make some highlight-reel saves, they did a solid job of protecting the front of the net all game. Ultimately, this game showed that the Canucks can grind out wins against potential playoff opponents and will hopefully be the confidence boost needed to go on another run late in the season.
Quotes
J.T. Miller on the play of Thatcher Demko:
"I don't even remember the last time I scored on the guy. I don't even really try against him anymore. He's unbelievable, and it's saves like that keep us in such an important game for our group. Win or lose in overtime, we played a good road hockey game today. A playoff-style game we can expect down the road. He is such a big part of our team, and when we see that, it's almost a get-out-of-jail-free type of situation on a breakdown. He's been unreal for us ever since I've been here for the last five years."
Elias Pettersson on the win versus the Kings:
"We talked about the way we want to play. Both teams played well, played good defensively. I liked our effort all game. We stuck with it. Still, gave me a few looks, definitely in the third and then then Demmer (Demko) made another highlight save."
Rick Tocchet on his team's performance:
"Yeah, a couple of 2-1 hockey games. That was kind of a playoff style. I just like the resolve, and I think our second period really was one of our best second periods of the month. Obviously, managing the third and then Mills (Miller) coming out with a big goal.
Rick Tocchet on the Canucks ability to break down the Kings defensive structure:
"Well, I think when we did chip it in when there wasn't a lot of room, we got to the puck quicker. I think that's a will; I don't think it's a system thing. I think we just had more will than the last time we played them of getting those loose pucks. I thought we came up with more battles, more territory. Talbot played good and they are good at boxing out so there were a lot of shots at the net."
Facts and Stats
- Elias Pettersson becomes the sixth player in franchise history to record three straight 30-goal seasons
- Quinn Hughes joins Henrik Sedin as the only player to record 3+ 60 assist seasons in franchise history
- Quinn Hughes joins Bobby Orr, Paul Coffey and Ray Bourque as the only defencemen in NHL history to record three straight 60+ assist seasons
- Rick Tocchet becomes the 17th head O.T.ach in franchise history to hit 100 games behind the bench
- J.T. Miller's ninth career O.T. goal as a Canuck ties him with Brendan Morrison for ninth all-time in franchise history
Scoring Summary
1st Period
LAK: 10:54- Trevor Moore (24th) from Phillip Danault
2nd Period
VAN: 16:36- Elias Pettersson (30th) from Nils Höglander and Quinn Hughes
3rd Period
No Scoring
Overtime
Van: 1:36- J.T. Miller (31st) from Brock Boeser and Quinn Hughes
Canucks Next Opponent
Vancouver finished up their three-game road trip with a visit to T-Mobile arena to face the Vegas Golden Knights. Historically, the Canucks have struggled against the Golden Knights, posting a record of 5-11-2. Game time is set for Thursday night at 7:00 PM PT.
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