J.T. Miller is dragging the Rangers down and everyone sees it

J.T. Miller's performance against the Vegas Golden Knights, on a shift that led to a goal against, is something that has drawn a ton of reactions from the hockey world, and it brings to the forefront something that can no longer be ignored. Miller is hurting the Rangers right now, and because he's playing hurt, he should take himself out of the lineup. The Rangers' captain left the ice prior to the start of the season after lunging for a puck, missed the entire preseason, and he's not looked right the entire season. Miller hasn't missed a regular season game yet, and something has got to give. It was understandable that Miller wanted to try and gut through it with Vincent Trocheck sidelined, but now that Trocheck is back and looking like himself again, Miller should step aside.

The viral clip of Miller's effort against the Vegas Golden Knights

Miller's perceived lack of effort during Tuesday's loss to the Golden Knights led to the Blueshirts' captain drawing a ton of criticism. It should be noted that at the time of the goal Miller had been on the ice for 1:02, and that likely factored into his listlessness.

Miller has talked about it, but he needs to be about it

Miller, to his credit, said after the game that he understands the team would have a better record if he were producing in the manner in which he's capable of, and he's being realistic about the impact he's having on the team.

Trocheck's comments are interesting, and no one expects him to bury his best friend, but Miller wasn't doing all the little things before the second goal was scored. And this isn't the first time Miller gave up on a play prior to a goal being scored.

He also expanded on his play saying, "“At some point you look in the mirror. Speaking on behalf of myself, I certainly expect a hell of a lot more production than what I have. I've never really gauged my game on points, and I said that a lot. Typically, when I bring my game, the points come. That being said, this year, it seems like nothing's really going in the net. We've got a big enough sample size that 25% of the season is gone, and we're in a lot of 1-goal games. If I can raise my personal standard and lead the team a little bit better production wise, I think our outcome in these games are going to change. So it's making me frustrated. It's hard to control that…Trust me, it's on my mind, but same time, come a long way, in a sense, of not getting wrapped up in that shit.” (h/t Mollie Walker of New York Post

To that sentiment, it was pointed out that the Rangers gave up a fair bit to acquire Miller, and his contract, and at some point he needs to deliver more than quotes.

It is fair to point that out, especially since there seems to be a theme going regarding Miller talking about having to be better.

Miller was named captain for a reason, he isn't living up to it right now

Miller was named the captain of the team before the start of the season, and he's supposed to be the player that leads by example and sets a tone for others to follow. He was heralded as being someone who drags others into the fight, and he was pretty direct about the player he wants to be as part of the Rangers' "No BS" mantra.

If he's unable to give that level of effort, there's no shame in sitting out. The Rangers have seen what he can do at the top of his game, and that's what is needed right now.

Rangers need the 2023-24 version of J.T. Miller

Miller was that player last year when the Rangers acquired him from Vancouver. In 32 games with the team he scored 13 goals and added 22 assists for 35 points. Right now Miller is on pace for 16 goals, 23 assists, and 39 points in 82 games which is a far cry from the 70 points in 72 he tallied last season.

If you looked at Miller's entire season you might be encourage by a slash line that includes a 53.36 GF%, a 50.49 CF%, and a 56.19 xGF% per Evolving-Hockey. But in the month of November he's posted a 43.27 GF%, a 45.25 CF%, and a 54.65 xGF%. The most impact Miller has had for the Rangers has been in overtime and the shootout, and it has come when he's been able to slow things down.

It is time for Miller to sit out and get better

An injured Miller does the Rangers no good, and if the team is serious about getting back to the playoffs and making an extended run, they need Miller at his best. Heck, if Miller wants to return to the Olympics, he needs to get healthy. The longer Miller plays hurt, the less likely he will be able to recover, and the worse off the Rangers will be.

Miller, when healthy, still has the ability to be an impactful player. This isn't a case of him not caring, or being washed as a player. If that were the case, the Rangers would be way worse off. The hope is that at some point Chris Drury or Mike Sullivan will intervene, because right now Miller is not willing to put his pride aside. Hockey is a sport where players often try and play through injuries, because they don't want to let their teammates down. But often times the decision to do so is selfish, because it puts the team in a worse spot overall. In the playoffs you can justify it to a degree. But this early into the season in November, absolutely not.

That said, just watch Miller have the game of his season tonight.