The New York Rangers and J.T. Miller just received a third loss in a row, and this time, Adam Fantilli shined brightly with a hat trick. The Columbus Blue Jackets stormed into Madison Square Garden and left with a dominant 7-3 victory, thanks to Fantilli’s magic touch and a squad that played like they had something to prove. Columbus wasn’t only scoring—they were making history, specifically, Zach Werenski, who entered the franchise’s leaderboard in assists. The Rangers tried to come back with back-to-back short-handed goals but the Blue Jackets sealed the game and never let them come close again.

As much as Rangers fans are feeling that sting, J.T. Miller is not feeling the burn from this Blue Jackets beatdown. Rather than focus on the disorder, he is already moving on to what is next, what he wants to achieve and what is to come. With the playoff race heating up, Miller knows there’s no time to cry over spilled goals—New York has more important battles on the horizon, and he’s making sure the focus stays right where it needs to be.

J.T. Miller reflects on the loss!

After the game, the New York Rangers dropped a video of J.T. Miller keeping it all the way real about the tough loss. But if you thought he’d be sulking, think again. “Listen, I don’t want to, I’m not going to be too negative,” he said, staying locked in on the bigger picture. “We have a lot of important games coming up. This team has been one of the best teams in the league in the last couple months, and you know, these are bigger games this time of year, but we’re gonna get a chance to right the ship here in a couple days.” No sugarcoating—just a quick reality check.

When asked if the Rangers looked shaky in their own zone, J.T. Miller wasn’t about to overanalyze every slip-up, but he kept it real. “Well, I’m not 100% sure. Just, you know, a couple puck decisions and a couple miss coverages.” Still, no time to dwell. “Like I said, it stings, but we’ll get a chance to play with you guys again soon.” Dwelling on the loss? Not in the game plan. “We don’t have much time to sit around and keep our heads down. We’ve got to be ready.”

Up next for the Rangers is a showdown with the Winnipeg Jets on March 11, 2025, at Canada Life Centre. Not to mention, the last time these two teams faced each other in November, the Jets achieved a record-breaking 15th win in 19 games after thrashing the Rangers 6-3. Yeah, this rematch? It’s a big one. As for the rematch against the Blue Jackets, that is on March 15 at the Nationwide Arena. But back to the present—J.T. Miller wasn’t the only one with thoughts on this latest stumble. Other players had plenty to say too!

Another Ranger gets real about the game!

Indeed, J.T. Miller had his say, but he was not the only one who could feel that bite. Mika Zibanejad did not mince his words when he analyzed the situation. When asked what the squad needs to end this three-game losing streak, he did not hold back: “I think they’re different. Three completely different games. We’ve just got to get back to defending like we have been. Obviously, our power play has to get going too and just play better. That’s from at least today.” No overcomplicated analysis—just straight-up facts.

And about those defensive breakdowns? Zibanejad was not ready to act as if they never occurred. “I think one of them, it’s kind of pucked in between everyone and I don’t think anyone takes charge of it. We don’t talk and it’s just, they’re a good transition team.” Translation? Too much hesitation, not enough communication, and Columbus? Yeah, they ate that up. The fix? They have to eliminate the hesitation and begin making plays with such conviction that their opponents cannot capitalize on the slightest of openings.

But as far as managing the frustration went, Zibanejad had a simple approach to it: “Get some rest, fight a winning pick tomorrow and get two points there.” That’s it. Because in the pursuit of the place in the NHL playoffs, there is no time to spend days on end moping.