The New York Rangers are looking to put the 2024-25 NHL season behind them and move on to a promising future under Mike Sullivan. However, that’s easier said than done, and it won’t be forgotten overnight. As J.T. Miller enjoys his offseason after a physically and mentally exhausting campaign, he dropped a stern statement, hoping to light a fire under the players in the Big Apple.
The Rangers are more than excited about Sullivan’s arrival in Manhattan, as the 2-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins has been a long-standing dream coach for Chris Drury and the Blueshirts’ front office.
Still, Sullivan won’t magically fix every current problem within the Rangers by walking into the building. An all-around effort will be needed from every level of the franchise, from the players to the highest offices.
On that note, Miller, who’s currently enjoying his hobby—golf—made something clear to his teammates as they witness the rest of the NHL compete for the Stanley Cup, while the season in New York has ended prematurely.
Head coach Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins speaks with the media during a post-game press conference after defeating the San Jose Sharks 3-2 in Game One of the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Consol Energy Center on May 30, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
“The goal is not to be available to play in this,” Miller told reporters at the U.S. Open qualifiers, via Forever Blueshirts. “Unfortunately, that’s what happens.”
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Familiar face
Sullivan had been an assistant coach for the New York Rangers from 2009-2013, being around when Miller entered the league in the 2012 NHL entry Draft.
As they meet once again in very different stages of their careers, Miller voiced a sincere statement about Sullivan and the expectations in NYC as the two-time Stanley Cup champ walks into the locker room.
“I’ve known [Sullivan] a long time. I came into the league with him. I have the utmost respect for him as a coach,” Miller added. “He’s accomplished a lot in this league so when we get an opportunity like that to snag him and help us achieve our goals, he’s going to give us the best chance. I’m really happy.”
J.T. Miller #8 of the New York Rangers skates against the Boston Bruins during the second period at the TD Garden on February 01, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Silver lining
Though coming off a deflating year, there are many reasons to be hopeful in Manhattan about the Broadway Blueshirts. For once, Sullivan has been extremely successful in his first year at every head coaching gig he has had.
He led the Boston Bruins to 41 wins and 104 points during his first year as head coach, and, most importantly, he led the Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cups in his first two years, one after being named head coach midway through the season, and the other in his first full campaign.
If fans are looking for more reasons to dream, they can search for what happened the last time the Rangers missed the postseason the season after winning the Presidents’ Trophy. Spoiler alert: they went on to hoist the Stanley Cup the following year.
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Which of the following has the bigger impact in New York's chances at the Stanley Cup?
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It feels like the perfect storm might be brewing in New York City, and the Rangers have enough reasons to dream big. However, they must first take care of some critical business, like naming a captain and finding their true identity on the ice.
