The New York Rangers got an immediate boost from J.T. Miller, and fans have every reason to be excited. After being traded back to the team from the Vancouver Canucks, Miller scored two goals in his debut against the Boston Bruins, and followed it up with two assists against the Vegas Golden Knights.
It was a dream return for the 30-year-old center. But while Miller has certainly helped the Rangers’ offense, the team’s real problem still hasn’t been fixed — and that’s defense.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Before Sunday’s win against Vegas, the Rangers had allowed:
- 5 goals to the Colorado Avalanche
- 4 goals to the Carolina Hurricanes
- 6 goals to the Bruins
That’s 15 goals allowed in just three games, with only one being an empty-net goal. Clearly, scoring isn’t the main concern — it’s keeping the puck out of their own net.
The Rangers currently rank 20th in the NHL for goals allowed per game (3.08), and 14th in scoring (2.98 goals per game). Miller may help improve their offense, but their defense remains a major liability.
Shesterkin Needs Support
Star goalie Igor Shesterkin is having a tough season. His 2.89 goals-against average and .907 save percentage over 37 games reflect more than just a goalie slump — they reveal a defense that’s not doing its job.
Although the trade for Will Borgen from Seattle has worked out reasonably well, it’s not enough. Only Adam Fox, K’Andre Miller, and Borgen aren’t being outshot during even-strength play. The third pairing of Urho Vaakanainen or Zac Jones with Braden Schneider is allowing the most shot attempts against per 60 minutes on the team.
Is Help Coming Before the Trade Deadline?
The Rangers need another defensive defenseman before the trade deadline, but the options are slim:
- Ivan Provorov (Columbus): Once rumored to be available, but Columbus is ahead of the Rangers in the wild-card race.
- Rasmus Ristolainen (Philadelphia): Also rumored, but Flyers GM Daniel Briere has made it clear he’s not on the move.
The Rangers also don’t have a strong pool of top-tier prospects to offer in trade negotiations. They own two first-round picks over the next three years, but other teams may outbid them.
What’s Next for the Rangers?
Unless head coach Peter Laviolette can figure out how to tighten up the blue line, the Rangers are in trouble. They currently sit outside a playoff spot and would need multiple teams ahead of them to collapse for a chance at a wild-card berth.
Miller’s return has given them a spark, no doubt. But without defensive help, the Rangers may not have enough to keep up with elite offensive teams like the Hurricanes, Maple Leafs, or Panthers in the postseason.
Bringing back J.T. Miller was a good move — he’s producing right away and helping the offense. But until the Rangers find a solution for their defensive problems, this team is unlikely to go far. It’s not a scoring issue — it’s a structural one. And time is running out.
