JT Miller Shines as US Olympic Roster Decisions Loom
J.T. Miller, the captain of the New York Rangers, is in the spotlight as decisions regarding the U.S. Olympic hockey roster approach. With the roster deadline set for December 31, Miller’s recent performance may influence his chances.
Olympic Roster Decisions and J.T. Miller
Miller has been an integral player for the U.S. national team in the past. Last season, he contributed significantly during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. This year, however, his on-ice performance has raised concerns. As of his 900th career game against Vegas, Miller recorded seven goals and 11 assists in 28 games. This pace projects him to finish the season with only 20 goals and 51 points, his lowest output since 2018-2019.
Recent Games Impacting Roster Chances
Despite his struggles, Miller’s situation has improved notably. An injury to teammate Shane Pinto, who is battling a lower-body issue, has opened up a potential spot on the Olympic team. Pinto, a Franklin Square native, is on injured reserve and will be sidelined for at least two weeks, making his Olympic roster spot uncertain.
In contrast, Miller’s game has picked up in recent outings. He registered three assists in the match against the Senators, coincidentally the game in which Pinto got injured. Furthermore, he showcased his skills in a closely contested overtime loss to Colorado, where Bill Guerin, the U.S. Olympic team general manager, was present.
Contributions Against Top Competition
During the match against the Avalanche, Miller and fellow U.S. candidate Vincent Trocheck effectively matched up against star center Nathan MacKinnon. Though MacKinnon scored twice, Miller and Trocheck produced a goal for their line, indicating their growing chemistry.
“I feel like the last couple games, the timing’s been better, the puck’s on my stick a little more,” Miller commented after the game. He emphasized the importance of positioning and teamwork in improving his gameplay.
Strategic Role in Team Composition
Rangers coach Mike Sullivan noted the distinction between building an Olympic team versus an All-Star team. He highlighted the necessity of players who can perform various roles based on in-game needs. Miller’s ability to neutralize top opposing forwards and contribute effectively in different scenarios makes him a valuable candidate for the national team.
The upcoming Olympic games in Milan could see Miller utilize these skills in a crucial role, especially in high-pressure situations such as penalty kills and critical faceoffs.
Injury Updates and Line Changes
- Jonathan Quick returned to the goal after missing seven games due to injury.
- Rookie Jaroslav Chmelar took Taylor Raddysh’s place in the lineup, marking Raddysh’s first missed game of the season.
Miller’s continuing evolution as a player and his recent uptick in performance could be pivotal as he aims for inclusion in the Olympic roster. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on how he performs in the coming games.
