WINNIPEG — Twelve days, six games and five losses into their National Hockey League world tour, the Vancouver Canucks did not practice here Tuesday. Not even their three-on-three overtime, line changes or how to defend a short-handed rush.
After nearly two weeks on the road and a physically and mentally exhausting 4-3 OT collapse Monday against the Montreal Canadiens, Canucks coach Willie Desjardins figured his players needed a rest before summoning whatever remains in their tank for tonight’s game against the Winnipeg Jets.
For Ryan Miller, it meant a longer rest.
The Canucks’ top goalie watched from the bench in Montreal as Jacob Markstrom faced the Canadiens — the backup’s second game in seven days.