-dlc-

Yet he's been #1 or #2 in points on the team since he arrived here. Did you see that part? We're not paying him to be cute and cuddly....we're paying him to...put up points and help the team win. He's always done that, even when he was moody. Be more specific and maybe name "all the things we/you saw". He slammed sticks and gates....he was frustrated. The whole damn team was but he wasn't afraid to pretend everything was fine as the house burned down. He reacted. And if his stuff made some people uncomfortable....maybe they needed that.

Thing is (and I will give up the JT Miller is good for our team...never) - JT will have his moments. No player is perfect and he's included in that. Yet some will WAIT for a moment to pounce where he blind passes and misses. It's glaring to them, even if it overlooks all the good things he's done. They zero in on that one moment with an "AHA". Gotcha stuff. It's a matter of being stuck on being right. Even when you're wrong; I was wrong about Myers and admit it. It feels good to be able to do so because I pull for our players to be good. I don't wait for them to be bad to prove a point.

Thing is, teams SHOULD feel worn down after playoff games. "Leave it all out there on the ice" is a thing. Don't kid yourself...I'm sure the Preds are feeling a little worn down too. Controlling emotions and not getting worn down just aren't always part of playoff hockey. It's do or die stuff.

Also when they blocked 32 shots? Some limping away afterward?

Wait...so aren't you participating with this comment? You've added nothing about the players/team/game. We're going after the content and that's quite acceptable. No one's said "true fans". And if some cite their experience as qualifying their comments then it's ok to respond to that. Using the "true fans" is a deflection and just a really poor excuse to ignore what's being said. So what is your opinion on JT Miler and how he contributes to the success of the team? Or not.

This is next level for me. "I was a lot like Miller" Not even close....this is not even worth pursuing any longer if this is the mindset.

It's so ridiculous to STILL be pushing a narrative that is somehow "anti" Miller. He's a beast and we're a much better team with him. This team would shrivel significantly if he wasn't here. Interesting that the changes the team has made (yes, including the coach) have pushed them to this level of success in such a short time. One that people saw as 3-4 years down the road. I just don't care how much amateur hockey someone's played...does not qualify them as experts. Or they'd be in the NHL themselves. I'm going to just give up that fight....I/we know what we have in JT. The others can keep trying to somehow validate an opinion from the past that's long been proven wrong.

You don't see it. Thank God everyone who matters (his teammates, coaches) do. If he is ruled by his emotions and is this successful in the NHL, maybe he has more figured out than you do? Don't be so stuck on being right....it's actually really quite credible to be able to admit that maybe you had it wrong. With JT, you certainly do have it wrong. He's proven that. And it's just silly to consider him a liability of any sort....he's better much more than "he's worse". And ANY team would love to have him. Speaks volumes.

That game by Casey was a big confidence booster. Likely for the team and for sure for the fans. Excellent performance under pressure.

4-3 Canucks Miller

Also....when a guy who hates losing puts up 99 and 100 points....well, makes it easier to digest.

Accepting losses as well.... A guy who hates to lose is more likely not to be complacent.

A win in playoffs (on the road to boot) is NEVER pathetic. So you lost me there.

Thing is though......you don't apply the same standards to someone like, say, Myers. You ONLY see the good and ignore when he's really a detriment. His "dark side"...and there's been one. Same with the refs. So it becomes tunnel vision and total bias. Dark side's a bit extreme anyhow in applying something rather sinister. I wish more players had a dark side that meant they really wanted to win and weren't afraid to let it be known. Image isn't everything. Like the "meh" we gave it our best players. Miller, Tocchet and Hughes have changed the culture. Miller's been a HUGE part in that...his dark side has seeped in a bit in a good way. The guys expect more and aren't satisfied. They're a little less lamb and a bit more owly. Miller's dark side was one of sheer frustration because he knew they were capable of more. Which is why he bought in here....despite some stating he was absolutely for sure gone. Seems they didn't know him as well as they thought....

It's really great. I love how he up's the intensity in his game....we need THAT Myers.

Yes, some need shots to score and to see success. But that's only part of the story. Pathetic? OK, what about only scoring ONE goal and losing despite a kazillion shots? Is that better?

But you can't really give all the credit to Tocchet because if he was really "a cancer"...those guys don't usually adjust. They don't listen. JT is also responsible for how he reacted to Tocc and even BEFORE Tocchet....there was one guy sitting on the bench with Boudreau who was being quietly ousted. JT was that guy. Again the "I played with" is relevant, but only to some degree. You never "played with JT" and that's important and part of the "human element" that gets overlooked when people are too quick to judge. Seeing some cancers doesn't mean you can just slot people in with them. Based on a few stick and gate slams. That's stereotyping. Some saw "cancer". Some others saw passion and wears his heart on his sleeve emotion that he, himself, knew needed some channeling. His words about playing on the edge being a fine line ring true. What drives him to succeed can also push him the other way. He knew that and adjusted. With a coach that helped remind him.

I appreciate your take but there's one thing to consider. Many who "know" the x's and o's aren't particularly good at identifying the human element in it all. After all, the sytems are implemented by humans which very much affects things. Some of the self-professed experts who have played the game will present some of the technical aspects of the game and that's impressive. But, equally so, is the ability for some who go to games and never miss a game to identify strengths and weaknesses in the players themselves. For instance, JT Miller. Many of the experienced hockey guys screamed that he had to go...was a cancer. Some of us saw beyond his emotional outbursts and knew there was an all in heart and soul player. One of size and skill who was worth exercising patience in. A guy who was directing play behind the scenes and had enough gumption to say "we don't know what we're doing here". And stand up for the team when needed. One who didn't care how he "looked" because it was all about how they fared. And not just him...has happened before. I've been told for years by the hockey guys that, as a woman who's never played, I know nothing. Yet some of those same people screamed early on the get rid of...Bieksa, Burrows. Some of my favourites. Maybe there's something more than just knowing the systems...you have to see what happens away from the play (that streaming and TV miss). I wonder how much "the system" is creating a bit of Petey's struggle. I mean, he's a guy with pure and natural talent who was really good at playing on instincts and creating his own "system". Like how he used to use subtle moves to create space for himself. Systems only tell half the story...then you have to work with the human element and create a balance. Yes, everyone has to buy in but you also have to have some creativity and chemistry...things that aren't always "on paper". Anyhow, cheers...a good discussion. I'm just not as easily convinced because someone knows 1-3-1 (which I also happen to understand). Truth be told, it would be nice if we'd just all be on the same page and cheer for the boys as this is a pretty outstanding season. No matter how you analyze it. Seems we are being pulled together and this city is alive with hockey vibrancy right now. It's very refreshing. We are all Canucks.

But the other part.....Cowan was average sized at 6'2" 203 lbs. Zadorov? 6'6" and 248 Matters....different weight class. He's also fairly skilled. Also.....what does the team look like without him? Much different. I do agree that they can't be stupid but they also have to really try to keep him here.

This is bang on. Except the last line because....can't we keep them? We must. Bye bye Hronek (even though I hate that too, just a little less).

But if you don't watch the games that's impossible to determine. as accurate. Someone emotional can still see the game and present it with accuracy. And some who criticize and analyze.....well, that's just their MO and doesn't necessarily reflect a more accurate view. They will always find something to criticize even when it's not really warranted. For instance, some here have biases for/against players that slant their take. Like Miller for instance....despite him driving our play a good deal of the time he can have a pass that misses and that's it....bad game for him in some eyes. They watch for people to fail and ignore other blips. Like Myers and the refs who are infallible to them. So be careful of the wisdom they bestow upon you, it might sound very logical and knowledgeable but is painted with bias. Some want picture perfect games which is a bit unrealistic. The only way for you to know for sure is...to watch the game. If you buy in to the noise (on either side) you may not get the entire picture.

The watch party was louder.....it's awesome to have the city so alive.

That, right there, is a look of total determination on JT's face.

Apparently there's a lot of hoopin' and hollerin' and loud music coming out of the Canucks dressing room.