The New York Rangers are mired in a three-game losing skid that may be fatal for the organization’s Stanley Cup Playoffs hopes during the 2024-25 NHL season. Despite the recent struggles, J.T. Miller delivered a positive though about his return to the Big Apple, with a direct jab at Elias Pettersson and the Vancouver Canucks.
It was a drama-filled NHL season in Vancouver, as the team’s struggles combined with reports of a rift between Miller and Pettersson inside the locker room. Ultimately, Miller was traded to New York, where he was drafted to during the 2011 Draft.
Since returning to NYC on Jan. 31, Miller registers seven goals and eight assists (15 points) with the Broadway Blueshirts. Previously, he had tallied 35 points (7 G, 26 A) in Vancouver. While his production isn’t too different than on the Canadian team, his morale and state of mind has certainly been on the rise since moving back to the city that never sleeps.
Ahead of a critical game against the Winnipeg Jets on the road on March 11, Miller dropped a very honest confession, sending a clear message to Pettersson and his ex-club back in British Columbia.
J.T. Miller #8 of the New York Rangers celebrates his second period goal against Ilya Sorokin #30 of the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on February 25, 2025 in Elmont, New York.
“It’s been nice to just be enjoying hockey again,” Miller admitted, issuing a harsh reminder to Pettersson and Vancouver, as reported by The Athletic’s Peter Baugh. “Showing up and enjoying work and being in a better place mentally.”
Trocheck sends wake-up call to Miller, teammates
The Rangers have their backs against the wall, with little to no margin for error as they fight to secure a postseason berth in a tightly contested Eastern Conference. Following a brutal 7-3 loss to a direct opponent, the Columbus Blue Jackets, Vincent Trocheck—who has emerged as a candidate for captain next season—sent a strong message.
“I think we’re just shooting ourselves in the foot,” Trocheck said, via The New York Post. “Team defense is still there—it’s not like the structure in our defense has been bad, even against Columbus.”
Vincent Trocheck #16 of the New York Rangers is called for a roughing penalty against the New York Islanders during the third period during the 2024 Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series at MetLife Stadium on February 18, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The Rangers must get back in the win column when they take on the Jets in Manitoba. The teams currently holding wildcard spots over New York—the Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets—will also be in action that night, meaning the Rangers will be keeping a close eye on their scoreboards.
