J.T. Miller Single-handedly Saving New York Rangers' Season

Last month, the New York Rangers looked like a team whose obituary was being penned. However, thanks to improved defensive play and improved play from Henrik Lundqvist, the Rangers’ fortunes are looking a little brighter. The most important piece of the Rangers’ recent resurgence has been the play of J.T. Miller.

Miller has taken several steps forward this season and is far removed from the player who had talent but seemed to lack motivation. No longer is he in need of a benching to get a message across. This Miller that Rangers fans are being treated to could be one of the best offensive players they have developed, and kept, in decades.

Rick Nash has struggled when he is healthy enough to be on the ice. Chris Kreider has looked lost for long stretches, though he has been playing better as of late. Kevin Hayes has regressed in ways that nobody foresaw. The play of Miller has been a welcome relief and might just have saved the Rangers’ season.

January was when Miller started to show flashes. He scored five goals in the last six games of the month and has carried that over to this month, scoring four goals in four games. Over his last 23 games he has scored 13 goals. There is an excitement in Madison Square Garden every time he touches the puck now, something not even Nash has generated in his years with the team.

There is no question Miller is quickly emerging as the Rangers’ best offensive weapon, and there is no reason to think he can’t become a 30-goal scorer the team needs. He is putting in the work and has emerged as a vital building block for the Rangers which many thought Kreider would be by now.

The Rangers’ season has been salvaged largely due to Miller’s emergence. With Nash out indefinitely due to a bone bruise and now Ryan McDonagh out with a concussion, the Rangers need Miller to continue his hot streak. Right now there is no reason to think he will cool off any time soon.