The New York Rangers and J.T. Miller just got knocked down, and it wasn’t the bounce-back they were hoping for. The Columbus Blue Jackets went into Madison Square Garden and did not leave any puck unturned for the Rangers to pick up, as they dominated the game and won 7-3 to take that wild-card spot back. Even after the Rangers clawed back from a 3-1 deficit with back-to-back shorties, the Jackets flipped the switch, rattling off four straight goals like they were on a mission. And just to add a little extra salt to the wound?

Adam Fantilli scored three goals in the last game, and Zach Werenski set the record for the Blue Jackets’ all-time assist record. At the same time, Jonathan Quick could not perform well in goal saving, allowing seven goals on only 27 shots. Yeah… not the night the Rangers had expected. And while the L stings, there’s no time to dwell—especially with J.T. Miller now in the mix. The Rangers snagged him just a few weeks ago, and despite the chaos, his leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed. And now, the Rangers’ coach is focusing on J.T. Miller’s leadership as the team goes through a difficult time in loss.

J.T. Miller’s leadership gets acknowledged!

In a video shared by the New York Rangers, head coach Peter Laviolette got candid about J.T. Miller’s impact since joining the team. When asked about what Miller has brought beyond just the numbers, Laviolette made it clear: “I think he’s helped others along as well. So his impact is one, but I think his contributions that can help other people as well on his line.” He highlighted Miller’s versatility, saying, “He plays in a lot of situations for us as well. Starting to get more on the penalty kill and ease him in. I think regular shift, power play, and then now more penalty kill as well.”

And in the locker room? No surprises there—Miller’s leadership is as strong as his on-ice presence. “He’s got a real straightforward approach to him. And he’s had a real impact, both in the room and on the ice.” Laviolette also pointed out how Miller has helped his line mates step up their game. “I mean, just in general, I think Will’s playing pretty good. He’s played with Will. I think Meek is playing pretty good. And I’m not saying that he’s responsible. I’m just saying that they, together, I think they’ve played complimentary to each other.”

Miller doesn’t try to play the same game as his teammates, but that’s exactly why it works. “He brings, he doesn’t play the same game as Meek, nor does he play the same game as Will. And so I think that they’ve, he’s helped bring out and bring out those two players. And those two players have helped bring him out because he’s producing as well.” It’s a win-win situation—Miller’s making plays, his teammates are thriving, and the chemistry is clicking at just the right time.

Crazy how time flies, huh? Feels like just yesterday—well, actually, it was early February—when J.T. Miller said his goodbyes to the Vancouver Canucks and joined the New York Rangers as part of a big trade deal. But wait, there’s more—Miller himself has been pretty vocal about how it feels to hit the ice with this squad. Safe to say, the guy’s got plenty to say about his fresh start in the Big Apple!

Miller gets honest about playing with new teammates!

A few days ago, J.T. Miller and the Rangers were looking forward to a three-game winning run, but the Capitals had other ideas and took the game to overtime 3-2. And, of course, Alex Ovechkin was not going to miss his moment—he scored another goal and is gradually approaching the legendary record of Wayne Gretzky. Even though the Rangers could not secure the victory, fans were focused on Miller and his connection with Mika Zibanejad. When asked about their on-ice connection, Miller kept it simple: “Just a predictability… We just get it in, and when we get the puck in, we have a good check. We have enough skill to hurt the other team.” No need to reinvent the game, just crisp plays and good execution.

Flashback to that trade bombshell—Miller’s move from the Canucks to the Rangers sent shockwaves through the league. And let’s be honest, Elias Pettersson may have had something to do with that one as well, given the rumors of friction in Vancouver. But now, Miller is fully committed with his new team, developing something strong with Zibanejad. “I think it’s getting there,” he admitted. “I’ve been with Mika almost every game, so our chemistry is developing—5-on-5, power play. There are still little things that have to come over time, but it’s going to get better and better.”

And guess what? The numbers back it up. Prior to Miller’s signing, Zibanejad had not scored a single goal. And since February 2? The man has scored more than five goals. Coincidence? Probably not. Miller gets to witness it himself: “He’s a hell of a player, been a top player in the league for as long as I’ve known him.” With the NHL playoffs creeping up, this new Rangers duo might just be heating up at the perfect time.