‘It’s nice to have him around. He looked good out there. Not much rust and he looked fast and energized. We’re excited.’ — Conor Garland on J.T. Miller nearing return
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Miller didn’t speak about his lengthy absence Tuesday, but he will practise Wednesday, address the media, and possibly play Thursday against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
A Miller return with be a boost to improving a paltry 4-6-3 home record and his presence in the room, on the bench, and on the ice will be a big boon.
The weight of expectation in this marketplace is immense and the mental and physical toll of meeting personal and team objectives can be crushing. Miller holds himself to an incredibly high standard to prove to his critics that he can be a dynamic and responsible centre, not one prone to turnovers and bad penalties.
All that is accentuated by the blood-and-guts, drag-them-into-the-fight and heart-on-his-sleeve monikers that we affix to a combustible and occasionally cantankerous star of wonder.
It’s Vancouver. It’s a fishbowl existence. Miller expects to excel and the fans can’t wait to chant his name.