Miller's Return To Canucks Lineup Should Help Boeser Break Goal Scoring Slump

For the first time since November 7, the Vancouver Canucks will have both J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser in the lineup. Miller make his return after missing the last ten games for personal reasons, while Boeser missed seven straight in November due to an upper-body injury. Projected to play on a line together against the Florida Panthers, Miller's return to the lineup could be what Boeser needs to break out of his recent scoring slump.

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Miller and Boeser have developed into a dynamic duo for the Canucks. They played 1,078:25 at even strength together and out-scored the opposition 78-44. Miller also played a key role in helping Boeser hit the 40-goal mark last season, with Miller recording the primary assist on 18 of Boeser's goals in 2023-24.

Fast forward to this season, and it is clear that Miller and Boeser are at their best when on a line together. In their 131:41 of even-strength ice time this season, Miller and Boeser have out-scored their opposition 9-5 and hold a 34-20 high-danger scoring chances advantage. As for when they play without each other, both have been out-scored and out-chances at even strength.

The absence of Miller has also led to Boeser struggling to put the puck in the back of the net. In the eight games Boeser has played with Miller out of the lineup, he has just one goal and is averaging two shots on net per game. In comparison, during the 12 games they have played together, Boeser has six goals and averages 2.17 shots per game. Of those six goals, Miller has recorded an assist on four of them, with three being primary assists.

Miller's return to the lineup could not have come at a better time for multiple reasons. Not only does he help balance out the Canucks top six, but it comes on the same night that Boeser plays his 500th career NHL game. Based on their success together over the past few seasons, it would not be shocking if Boeser scored on his milestone night, with the scoreline reading Brock Boeser from J.T. Miller.