Tocchet Provides Update On Miller Ahead Of Canucks Game Against The Blackhawks

J.T. Miller was not at practice as the Vancouver Canucks prepare to take on the Chicago Blackhawks.

As expected, J.T. Miller was absent from practice on Monday. The Vancouver Canucks center was injured during their last game against the Philadelphia Flyers, leaving the bench briefly after his first shift. Miller ended up playing 17:01 but only took one faceoff the rest of the game. 

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On Monday, Head Coach Rick Tocchet provided an update to the media about Miller. As reported by Thomas Drance of The Athletic, Tocchet did not say what Miller's official health status was but did indicate that the plan is to test if Miller can take faceoffs tomorrow. As mentioned, Miller missing practice was not unexpected as Tocchet mentioned after the game in Philadephia that he would "probably get a few days off here to rest it and see where it goes."

If Miller is in the lineup but can't take faceoff, the most likely option is that Brock Boeser or Jake DeBrusk will take the draw. Against the Flyers, Boeser went three for seven in the faceoff dot, while DeBrusk went zero for two. Miller's injury could also lead to more on-the-fly starts for the trio or bringing in a center like Pius Suter to take faceoffs. 

Vancouver concludes their four-game road trip on Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Last season, the Canucks swept the Blackhawks, winning all three of their matchups. The game is part of what the NHL is calling "Frozen Frenzy," as all 32 teams will be in action. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:15 pm P.T. from the United Center.