Hartnett: Miller Has Matured Into An Impact Player For Rangers
By Sean Hartnett
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The Rangers are reaping huge rewards because of their patient approach with 22-year-old forward J.T. Miller.
It would have been easy for the win-now Rangers to cash in the former 15th overall draft pick by using him as a centerpiece to acquire a big-name veteran at past trade deadlines.
Instead of making his name as "the one who got away" in another city, Miller is reciprocating the Rangers' faith. He has blossomed into an effective player who is making a sizable impact game after game. While his 22 points, including 10 goals, in 46 games aren't jaw-dropping, Miller's benefits to the Rangers go far beyond face-value production. The days of Miller being a trade chip appear to be over, as he's become instrumental to the cause.
"He's figured out how to play consistently strong hockey," alternate captain Marc Staal told WFAN.com. "He's been one of our more consistent players all year long. When he gets in on the forecheck and separating guys to the puck, that creates space for teammates. He's really effective and found a way to bring that every night. It's a big plus for our team."
Miller's straight-line quickness and ability to win battles in the tough areas combined with increasing production is helping solidify the Rangers' top-six in a season where filling the void left by the retirement of legendary winger Martin St. Louis hasn't been easy.
"It was just going to take time for me to find more of a comfort level," Miller told WFAN.com. "I do feel good about my game right now -- getting a chance to play with skill players and getting a chance to hit somebody. When things weren't going great a couple months ago, I just go back to hard work and go from there."
Ahead of even team-leading point-getter Mats Zuccarello, Miller has been the most consistent Blueshirts forward this season. The 205-pound winger has become a more confident player in all areas of the ice and is making teammates better through his increased awareness and high-energy play.
"When he gets the puck on the wall, he's making smart plays," Staal said. "Sometimes, it's a more difficult play. It allows us to come out clean. It's a sign of confidence. He playing with a lot of it now. When you're playing at a level like he has, you deserve to get those opportunities with top offensive guys, starting a lot of draws in the offensive zone and being counted upon in that area. He's worked hard for it."
Miller forced Vancouver Canucks goaltender Ryan Miller into a heavy workload Tuesday with a game-high eight shots and eventually broke through with the winning goal in the 3-2 overtime victory. Head coach Alain Vigneault kept rolling him out there and Miller set a new career high with 20:07 of ice time, while also sharing the team lead with three hits.
"He is starting to understand the game, starting to understand what he needs to do to become a better player," Vigneault said. "Was it my first year that I said he needs to figure it out? Well, he's figuring it out. As you get older and get more mature, you learn things and you apply those things and definitely that's what he's doing."
Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has noticed the forward strides Miller is taking in his development and was thankful for his big effort in Tuesday's home victory.
"I think he's growing," Lundqvist said. "I think he's taking a big step this season for sure. He's so skilled. He can shoot the puck, he can play physical, he can make a lot of good plays. When you add all those things together and his confidence and focus on the job, he can do a lot of good things for us out there. Again tonight, he did it."
The young forward's time has come. Rangers fans have a new thriller in Miller.
Follow Sean on Twitter at @HartnettHockey
