Miller taking ex-Vancouver Canucks teammates out for dinner in New York
The Vancouver Canucks aren’t used to having to gameplan for J.T. Miller.
The 32-year-old star was one of the Canucks’ best players for years, but tomorrow he will face off against his former team for the first time since being traded to the New York Rangers.
It’s an important game for both teams, as they need the points for their respective playoff races. But before the puck drops tomorrow morning, Miller and some of his former Canucks teammates are going out for dinner in New York.
“Some of my best friends are on that team,” explained Miller after Rangers practice today. âWe’ll get dinner tonight, but once tomorrow comes, it’s going to be a war. We all understand that, and we’d rather it be that way anyway. It’s all business when we get out there.”
Miller has 18 points in 20 games since joining the Rangers. He started off hot but has now cooled off and doesn’t have a goal in his last nine games.
The scoring centre played more than 400 games with the Canucks and was one of their most productive players in franchise history. He was embraced by the fans, who often chanted his name at games.
Miller is 11th all-time in Canucks points and 18th in goals. In the end, a reported feud with co-star Elias Pettersson meant that one of the two had to go.
“Raised my three kids there, my wife and I have so many friends outside of the game. The amount of love the city and the fans showed for me while I was there is something I’ll never forget. It’s a great organization, great place to play hockey, passionate fanbase. They treated me with the utmost respect while I was there, and I’m nothing but thankful for the opportunity.”
The Canucks will hope they can slow down Miller and the Rangers. They’re one point below the playoff bar with a game in hand over the St. Louis Blues, who they’re chasing. They can’t afford many more losses and will hope that they can contain their former star.