The Canuck Way
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Canucks: 3 takeaways from thrilling 3-2 OT win over Rangers

By Zaahid Lalani

VANCOUVER, BC - NOVEMBER 2: Tucker Poolman #5 of the Vancouver Canucks deflects the shot of Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers wide of the net as goalie Thatcher Demko #35 and J.T. Miller #9 scramble to defend during the third period on November 2, 2021 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - NOVEMBER 2: Tucker Poolman #5 of the Vancouver Canucks deflects the shot of Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers wide of the net as goalie Thatcher Demko #35 and J.T. Miller #9 scramble to defend during the third period on November 2, 2021 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /
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Redemption tour (hopefully) begins for Miller, Pettersson

For the first time in a long time, it was actually fun to watch Miller and Pettersson on the ice on Tuesday.

The duo remained united heading into game four of the homestand, making up two-thirds of the Lotto Line, alongside Boeser, for the second consecutive game.

It’s definitely been a struggle for the trio, who haven’t been together much this year because of injury and line juggling, but they still haven’t made most of their opportunity when paired together. Heading into Tuesday night’s contest, Boeser, Miller and Pettersson only have a combined TOI of 48:19, to go along with a 48.89% Corsi For rating and a high danger Corsi For percentage of just 20% at 5v5, as per Natural Stat Trick.

Not exactly eye-popping analytics for the once dominant and exciting Lotto Line, but Miller and Pettersson appeared poised to change that storyline moving forward with their strong play against the Rangers on Tuesday.

Offensively-speaking, both players were all over the scoresheet, with Pettersson notching the secondary assist on Miller’s first goal of the game, but it’s also important to look at their play without the puck.

Both players finished the night with a Corsi For rating above 70% at 5v5, while also leading the forward group with TOI. Miller also wouldn’t have been sprung on his overtime breakaway had it not been for Pettersson’s smart defensive play in front of their own net.

Yes, only Miller has held up his end of the bargain on the scoresheet so far, notching three goals and eight assists, including three multi-point performances, and we all know that Pettersson still has a ways to go.

The former Calder Trophy winner is only clicking at a 0.5 points-per-game pace after the first 10 contests, and is currently riding an eight-game goalless drought, but fans finally saw a more confident and electric version of Pettersson on Tuesday night, and it’s only a matter of time before that style of play eventually leads to some damage on the scoresheet.

Just ask the crossbar that Pettersson nearly broke off in the second period.

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