J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson get into a heated altercation at Vancouver Canucks practice
Photo credit: Daily Hive
At a recent Vancouver Canucks practice Elias Pettersson & J.T. Miller had a brief but heated exchange.
This was first reported by Jeff Paterson from Rink Wide: Vancouver who shared the details on social media. The incident occurred during a battle drill when the two Canucks stars chopped at each other & Miller responded with a quick cross check. Words were exchanged but it didn't escalate any further.
Paterson mentioned that although the moment looked intense, it wasn't a major incident, and neither the coaches nor other players felt the need to step in.
After the practice, Pettersson downplayed the situation.
«Yeah, it's good. I think you should practice with an edge. Yeah, it's good.»
Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet also addressed the exchange.
Head coach Rick Tocchet said he doesn't want to see his players fighting during drills, «but there's time and a place where you want to challenge the pace of the practice or there's a certain drill someone doesn't like, or whatever, that's part of the game. It's not a big deal.
«I'm sure if there was a scrum or something on Saturday night, Millsy would be the first guy to jump in for Petey.»
«I'm sure if there was a scrum or something on Saturday night, Millsy would be the first guy to jump in for Petey.»
Miller, who has developed a reputation as an emotional leader, is having a strong start to the season. He recently scored an overtime goal in Florida and has six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in six games. His previous outbursts, once seen as a problem, are now viewed as part of his leadership style.
On the other hand, Pettersson had a slower start to the season but has recently gained momentum, picking up two assists in his last two games. Although he hasn't scored a goal in six games, Tocchet believes he's improving and just needs to keep pushing forward.
«I think he's just chipping away at his game,» said Tocchet, of Pettersson. «Everyone knows we've gotta get him to move his feet and being more aggressive.»
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 24 | 43 ANSWERS J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson get into a heated altercation at Vancouver Canucks practice Do you think the Vancouver Canucks will have more success in the playoffs this year? | ||
| Yes | 16 | 37.2 % |
| No | 27 | 62.8 % |
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