Vancouver Canucks

Is the Canucks J.T. Miller Injured or Healthy: Doesn’t Matter, He Scores

At first, JT Miller was scratched for Game 1, then he played. He scored two points in the 5-2 Canucks win over the Blues. But, is he OK?

by
Old Prof
August 13, 2020

On Wednesday night, the Vancouver Canucks beat the St. Louis Blues 5-2 in Game 1 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoffs. And, although it’s a long series, a Game 1 win is nothing to take lightly.

The Blues are the reigning Stanley Cup Champion and were the best in the Western Conference (42-19-10) and second overall in the NHL when the regular season was suspended on March 12 in response to the COVID-19 virus.

Prior to the game, it was announced that team newcomer (this season) J.T. Miller was injured and wouldn’t be playing. That would have been a bit of a blow because Miller had led the Canucks in scoring this season with 72 points in 69 games (27 goals, 45 assists). He also averaged over 20 minutes TOI during the season. During the postseason, the 27-year-old Miller had scored a goal and three points in four games.

Reports Prior to the Game

There was a report that Miller would be a surprise no show on Wednesday. And, at first, there was some confusion about the lineup sheet. Then there were thoughts that he was injured and would be sitting out the game. In fact, he didn’t take warm-ups with the team, which fueled all sorts of further speculations. Even going further, Miller was officially announced as a scratch prior to the start of the game.

From Nowhere to Be Seen to the Score Sheet

But, when the game started, Miller took his regular spot on the ice. Not only did Miller play, but he had a goal and an assist during the Game 1 victory over the Blues. Both of Miller’s points came on Canucks’ very effective power plays, which went 3-for-6 during the game.

Miller’s goal was his second goal of the postseason, and it came in the final minute of the third period after the Blues had taken a penalty. The Canucks were basically playing keep-away with the Blues defense, but when Blues goalie Jordan Binnington left the entire left side of the net open Miller took advantage and easily slapped it home.

Miller now has five points in five games during the NHL’s postseason. Still, in the end, however, we’re not sure if Miller is injured and playing or healthy and playing; or, healthy-enough and playing.

What Do We Know About Miller’s Health?

What we do know is that Canucks head coach Travis Green didn’t elaborate on Miller’s situation after the game. Assuming Miller’s healthy-enough, he’ll continue to be a key cog in the Canucks’ top-six.