J.T. Miller, Ian Cole and Casey DeSmith stepped up as the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Nashville Predators 2-1 in Game 3.
Despite being outshot 30-12, the Vancouver Canucks walked away with a 2-1 victory in Game 3. Defensively, the Canucks put on one of their most impressive performances of the year, blocking 28 shots and going a perfect five for five on the penalty kill. While there were many standout performances, J.T. Miller, Ian Cole, and Casey DeSmith had significant impacts on the game and played a crucial role in Vancouver going up 2-1 in the series.
1st Star: J.T. Miller
J.T. Miller was a force at both ends of the ice. He finished the night with a goal and an assist while also recording a game-high six shots on goal. Miller also recorded three hits and a blocked shot while playing 1:27 on the penalty kill. Through three games, Miller has arguably been the Canucks best player as he continues to lead by example this postseason.
2nd Star: Ian Cole
Ian Cole was a star in the defensive zone. He led all players with five blocked shots and played 5:27 on the penalty kill. Whether it was clearing out rebounds or deflecting shots bound for the back of the net, Cole's play tonight showed just how valuable he can be to Vancouver's lineup.
3rd Star: Casey DeSmith
While it wasn't always pretty, Casey DeSmith stood his ground, making 29 saves for his first career playoff win. One impressive part of DeSmith's game was his ability to deflect rebounds away from the Nashville Predators and into space where only his teammates were. If DeSmith can deliver similar performances, it will go a long way in helping the Canucks advance to the second round.
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