COLUMBUS, Ohio — Winger J.T. Miller and center Kevin Hayes were thriving as linemates for much of the season.
But when Rangers coach Alain Vigneault, faced with the loss of forwards Chris Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich to injuries, separated them, observers wondered if the line-shifting would have any downside against the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday.
Nope. Miller and Hayes each scored twice in a 7-2 rout, the team’s third straight win on this road trip. And by the time the dust had settled at Rogers Arena, Miller was leading the club with seven goals and 17 points in 17 games — on pace for an 82-point season — and Hayes was right behind with eight goals and 16 points.