Vancouver Canucks fans have been waiting for the J.T Miller vs Elias Pettersson revenge match since Miller was traded in January, and on Saturday night they'll finally get it.
With the Canucks fighting for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, the games are already intense enough, but Saturday's could be at a whole new level.
J.T Miller faces former team for first time since deal
The Vancouver Canucks experienced their best season in a decade in 2023-24 in large part thanks to the play of J.T Miller and Elias Pettersson, but the on ice success couldn't bridge the off ice issues between the players.
The feud eventually led to Miller being dealt to the New York Rangers for Filip Chytil, Victor Mancini and a 1st.
While early returns after the trade made it seem the Canucks had made the wrong choice, Pettersson has been playing much better of late and has 10 points in his last 10 games played, while Miller has just 6 and has been held off the score sheet for three straight games.
Miller's Rangers will welcome the Canucks to Madison Square Garden at 10 AM PST on Saturday.
Playoff hopes on the line for both teams
While the game may have some extra drama due to the history between Miller and Pettersson, neither team will need anymore motivation on Saturday.
Both teams are in a fight for their playoff lives, with seemingly one -though Ottawa is not quite secure in the east- wildcard spot available in each conference, and several teams still vying for each one.
The Rangers are tied with the Islanders at two points behind the Canadiens for 8th in the east, though both teams have two games in hand on the Rangers.
Vancouver meanwhile is now one point behind St. Louis with a game in hand, while Calgary sits one more point back with an additional game in hand.
Source - The Daily Hive: Miller-Pettersson rematch Vancouver Canucks fans have been waiting for takes place this weekend
