Elias Pettersson and JT MIller go after each other during Canucks practice

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Daniel Lucente
October 24, 2024 (7:35 PM)

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Elias Pettersson hasn't been having a successful start to the season for the Canucks, and it got worse in team practice when he had a tussle with JT Miller.

Tempers flared during a Vancouver Canucks practice yesterday, as forwards Elias Pettersson and JT Miller got into an argument. The two forwards were involved in a minor incident that had the attention of all fans and media that happened to be present at the rink.

Canucks insider Jeff Paterson indicates the incident occurred after a puck battle drill. Things escalated before Pettersson and Miller started chopping at each other, culminating in Miller delivering a forceful cross-check. A brief skirmish ensued that underlined the competitiveness between the two teammates.

Making it even more dramatic, fellow Canucks reporter Farhan Lalji mentioned during this exchange, Miller also hurled a verbal jab and referred to Pettersson as "a baby." The comment could sting; however, it showed the tenor of the moment.

Head coach Rick Tocchet spoke to the media today about the incident. He said there was no lingering tension in the locker room and that it was just a part of the game. He added sometimes these types of incidents bring better outings on the ice.

This spicy exchange, if this is what it takes to get the game of Elias Pettersson back on track and fuels the rest of the team, may be just the catalyst needed by the Canucks this season. Sometimes, a little inner conflict is what the doctor ordered to spur them on.