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The Daily: Vancouver Unglued Over Canucks’ Start; Kessel is Ironman

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JT Miller, Vancouver Canucks

Anger. Angst. Disappointment. Uncertainty. All of those words are in play in Vancouver as team management and fans sort through the Vancouver Canucks miserable start.

This season started with high hopes that the Canucks would be a playoff team. They managed to re-sign top players. Their core group of players are noteworthy. But the Canucks fell to 0-5-2 after a 3-2 home loss to the Carolina Hurricanes Monday.

Coaching firing. Rebuilds. Major trades. All kinds of suggestions are being tossed around on social media. It boiled over Monday when forward JT Miller offered an honest assessment of what he thought about Vancouver fans throwing their jerseys on the ice.

“If they want to throw their s— on the ice it’s up to them,” Miller said. “…If they want to come to the game, spend all that money and throw their gear on the ice, that’s up to them. Go ahead. I’ve got a job to do.”

Before the season, Miller signed a seven-year contract for an average of $8 million per year. He has scored four goals in Vancouver’s first seven games. He is also -5.

His words didn’t play well with a number of fans. Many piled on, while others rose to his defense. It’s a hostile hockey environment in Vancouver as everyone tries to figure out how to turn around the team. The messiness will likely continue until the Canucks put together some wins.

 

In Case You Missed It

DHN’s Bob Duff writes about how defenseman Ben Chiarot brings a football mentality to his work on the ice. His grandfather played in the Canadian Football for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Red Wings coach Derek “Newsy” Lalonde appreciates the Red Wings’ strong-willed approach early in the season. But he is reminding everyone there’s a long way to go in this paywall story.

Goalie Victor Brattstrom was injured in the Grand Rapids Griffins‘ last game. His playing status could impact where prize prospect Sebastian Cossa plays this week.

Red Wings’ Next Game

The 3-0-2 Red Wings have a home game tonight against the 3-3 New Jersey Devils. Coach Lindy Ruff’s team lost 6-3 at home to the Washington Capitals last night.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: The Hampus Lindholm acquisition could end up being GM Don Sweeney’s best trade. Boston Bruins.

Florida: Veteran writer George Richards offers that the Florida Panthers,  despite slow starts by Sam Reinhart and Sasha Barkov. Florida Panthers. 

New York: Islanders coach Lane Lambert isn’t fretting. He believes “pieces are here” for success. New York Islanders. 

Philadelphia: Tortorella says Flyers need to be better in the second game of back-to-back contests. Philadelphia Flyers. 

San Jose: Timo Meier and Tomas Hertl may be emerging from the slumps. Signs are there. San Jose Sharks. 

Vegas:

egas Hockey Now: His 400th goal was overturned, but he tied the NHL ironman record. Watch: Phil Kessel did it.

In classic Kessel fashion, he was completely apathetic about setting the record, “I guess I’m old now.” The Phil Kessel chat.