J.T. Miller won't discuss awkward faceoff blunder that led to Rangers loss vs. Canadiens

The New York Rangers were riding a three game winning streak entering Thursday night, but they faced a tough task in facing not only a playoff team, but a certified Stanley Cup contender in the Montreal Canadiens. The Rangers held their own in the game, tying the game up 2-2 after trailing 2-0 after third period goals from Adam Fox and Will Cuylle. The Rangers had the chance to pull off the upset.

But with around five minutes left in regulation, there was an awkward puck drop from linesman Dan Kelly. Center and captain J.T. Miller stood still, thinking there would be a redo on the faceoff. Instead, Canadiens star Cole Caufield skated up the ice and past defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, allowing him to unleash a wicked shot past goaltender Igor Shesterkin to take a 3-2 lead. Caufield's goal proved to be the game-winner.

It was an awkward situation for Miller. In fairness, Canadiens center Nick Suzuki also stood still, thinking there'd be a redo. Ultimately though, Caufield capitalized and used his speed to skate through the Rangers defense to score his 49th goal of the season.

J.T. Miller didn't want to talk controversial faceoff that led to Canadiens' game-winning goal vs. Rangers

After the game, Miller was asked about the faceoff that led to the Caufield game-winning goal. Miller said he didn't want to talk about it, citing that it was something that neither him or Kelly wanted to have.

"I don't want to talk about it," said Miller. "There's a lot that goes on in a game. I have a lot of respect for Dan, I've known him a long time. It's a moment nobody wanted to have for me and him. And sorry, we'll leave it at that."

Miller obviously has respect for Kelly. But given the situation and what it resulted in for the Rangers, it's something that Miller didn't want to dive deep into.

For fans, they do want to hear from the captain, especially on a play that ended up deciding the game. They didn't get that from Miller, and likely won't. It will be a source of frustration for fans who haven't been thrilled with Miller in his first season as captain.

Caufield commented on the faceoff that led to his goal, saying he didn't know what happened, but he was focused on scoring.

“It was kind of a weird situation where the puck dropped, I’m not sure what happened,” Caufield said, h/t NHL.com's Bill Price. “I’m taking off and just playing the game in front of me. I’m just trying to throw one on there and sometimes those go in.”

For the Rangers, they were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention recently, but they are still playing to win. They have given more opportunity for some of their younger players, giving them a chance to get some reps and see if they will factor into their plans for the 2026-27 season. The Rangers defeating a legitimate contender in the Canadiens would have been a strong confidence booster for the team. Ultimately, though, it ended on a sour note.

This will undoubtedly be something that the Rangers and Miller would want to come back.