Canucks' Miller: Up to fans 'if they want to throw their shit on the ice'

The Vancouver Canucks' 5-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres in Saturday's home opener was an apparent tipping point for fans, as the crowd at Rogers Arena showered the team with boos - and a Canucks sweater.

But Canucks forward J.T. Miller doesn't seem bothered by such things.

"If they want to throw their shit on the ice, that's up to them," Miller said Monday when asked about the crowd's actions, according to Sportsnet's Brendan Batchelor.

He added: "I'm not worried about if people want to come to the game, pay all that money, and throw their jerseys on the ice. Go ahead."

Miller said he's focused on trying to help Vancouver earn its first win of the season Monday against the Carolina Hurricanes.

"I've got a job to do. I'm worried about beating the Canes tonight," he said. "Having a good start to the game, and us really trying to come together as a team."

The Canucks are 0-4-2 this season and sit last in the Pacific Division. They also became the first team in NHL history to blow four multi-goal leads to begin a campaign.

Miller posted a career-high 99 points in 2021-22 and signed a $56-million contract extension in September, but his play has been a major point of discussion amid the team's struggles. The 29-year-old has three points in six games, and opponents have outscored Vancouver 14-4 in all situations with Miller on the ice, according to Natural Stat Trick.