Rangers need the best of the season JT Miller – Hockey Writer – New York Rangers
The New York Rangers captain JT Miller suffered a panic, missing their preseason game against the New Jersey Devils on October 2, as they played against the Boston Bruins on October 4. Hopefully he can start the season at the beginning of the regular season and stay healthy during the season and play the game of the season in the season.
Miller’s 2024-25 season
Miller became a star of the Vancouver Canucks after starting his career with the Rangers. He had his best season in the 2023-24 game as he scored 37 goals and 66 assists in 81 games while winning a 56.3% showdown. He led them to score points in the regular season and led the team in the playoffs as he scored 3 goals and nine assists in 13 games.
Miller worked hard to score and missed 10 games last season when he was on vacation for personal reasons. He was in good health, winning 58.6% of his faceoff, but scored nine goals and 26 assists in 40 games. The Rangers then received him in exchange for Filip Chytil, Victor Mancini and first-round draft picks.
Related: Rating Rangers and Canadian blockbuster JT Miller Trade
Miller immediately helped the struggling ranger on both offense and defense. He scored two goals in his first game after the deal, lost 6-3 to the Bruins on February 1 and received two assists in a 4-2 win over the Vegas Golden Cavaliers on February 2.
One of the problems with Rangers last season was that Mika Zibanejad struggled offensively and made too many defensive mistakes. After trading Miller, they moved him to the right and played together. The two quickly formed a chemical reaction, putting pressure on the winger’s moves, defending Zibanejad, who reduced defensive turnovers.
From last season’s first game against the Rangers, Miller played physically, entered the forward and drove to the front of the net. He took advantage of his scoring opportunities and created opportunities for his teammates. In his 32 games against New York, he had 13 goals, 22 assists, 76 hits and won a 57.6% showdown. His three goals and his five assists are on the power.
Miller’s role this season
The Rangers appointed Miller as captain during the offseason and they needed him to pick him up where he left last season and continue playing at a high level. They need him to attack consistently, defend responsibly and lead by example.
When the Rangers won the president’s trophy and reached the Eastern Conference finals in 2023-24, they had two excellent lines. Vincent Trocheck, Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere all performed well and played together for most of last season and will likely be together this season.
Panarin’s line performance last season was poor, partly because the Rangers failed to get consistent games from other lines. Zibanejad struggled on the defensive end and fell into the situation on the offensive end. Chris Kreider was hit 22 goals last season while battling the injury after scoring 52 goals in 2021-22, 36 goals in 2022-23 and 39 goals in 2023-24.
Rangers hope that playing Zibanejad with Miller will help him bounce back and help the team form another line to relieve Panarin’s pressure. After trading Kreider in the offseason, New York also needs Miller to contribute to the strong game. He has a very good wrist and has proven to be a skilled organizer for his second term with the Blues. In the 2023-24 season, he scored 40 points (10 goals and 30 assists).
Rangers need Miller to deliver this season
After the team failed to show in 2024-25, Miller will put a lot of pressure on Miller to help them turn things around in game and leadership. They need him to be healthy and to realize his potential. He has performed well in 32 games with them last season, and they need him to continue playing at this level and help improve teammates’ games and get the team to the playoffs this season.
