The 2025-26 NHL season has been anything but positive for J.T. Miller, Vincent Trocheck, and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">New York Rangers</a>. However, the 2026 Winter Olympics break gives them a chance to escape the harsh reality in the Big Apple and chase a gold medal with Team USA. 



As the two veterans settle into their new home for the next few weeks in Milan, a curious dilemma has emerged for the longtime friends and teammates. Contrary to Team Canada, the American hockey team has decided to stay at the Olympic village in Milan, rather than leave for a five-star hotel. In the words of several players on Team USA, they want to live “the full experience”. Still, some veterans on the team have been given some privileges of their own.



As Mollie Walker of the New York Post reported, Team USA veterans, like Trocheck and Miller, didn’t have to have a roommate in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/winter-olympics">Winter Olympics</a>. While the two Rangers forwards are close friends, they chose to have some privacy of their own in Milan. Asked about the decision to go solo, Miller needed five words to make his point.



“We spend enough time together,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jt-miller">J.T. Miller</a> admitted. Miller had been living with Trocheck for a while after being traded from the Vancouver Canucks back to New York. This time around, they are going in different directions, though they are most likely to have their rooms set close to one another. In the Olympic Village, players don’t have to clean up after their dishes, but even without those potential sources of conflict, Miller and Trocheck are still not sharing a room.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/10141013/vincent-trocheck-1920x1080.webp" alt="Vincent Trocheck" class="wp-image-577542"></figure><figcaption>Vincent Trocheck at Madison Square Garden in New York City.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Hidden message to Rangers</h2>



While Miller’s message seems like just a funny remark as the Rangers’ captain gets to enjoy hockey for the first time amid a dramatic <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> season, it can also be interpreted as a subtle warning to the Rangers. On the other hand, if Miller had chosen to be roommates with Trocheck, some in New York might have seen it as a farewell tour for the duo, who may be playing their final games together—both for Team USA and the Rangers. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/what-nhl-players-are-playing-in-the-winter-olympics-2026"></div>


After trading Artemi Panarin away, the spotlight is now on Trocheck, who is widely viewed as the biggest trade chip New York owns. On that note, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/ny-rangers-reportedly-face-trade-threat-from-rival-ny-islanders-over-artemi-panarin-former-teammate">the Rangers may be facing a trade threat from the New York Islanders</a>. 



Whether he is ultimately sent to Long Island or elsewhere, Miller’s stance is clear: he doesn’t want Trocheck to leave. Where Trocheck stands on his future, however, is another question. As much as his friendship with Miller may play a role, it may not be enough for Trocheck to turn down a chance to pursue the Stanley Cup with a contender.

NY Rangers teammates Vincent Trocheck, J.T. Miller involved in curious Team USA situation at Winter Olympics 2026

NY Rangers teammates Vincent Trocheck, J.T. Miller involved in curious Team USA situation at Winter Olympics 2026 - Bolavip US

NY Rangers teammates Trocheck, Miller involved in curious Team USA situation

miniaturas

It’s not déjà vu. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">New York Rangers</a> find themselves in an eerily similar position to where they were last NHL season. General manager Chris Drury confirmed the team is set to trade some of its top assets, and there may be only one untouchable player on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan">Mike Sullivan</a>’s roster. As much praise as J.T. Miller gets for being a culture-changing captain, he could also be moved.



In the 2024-25 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> campaign, Drury sent a league-wide memo stating that New York was entertaining trade calls for key veterans. A year later, the Rangers have parted ways with some household names, yet remain stuck in the same square. Now, despite <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/ny-rangers-captain-j-t-miller-makes-something-clear-to-mike-sullivan-teammates-amid-losing-skid">Miller making something clear to Sullivan and his teammates</a>, changes are expected inside the locker room, and no one might be truly safe. Well, except for one star: Igor Shesterkin.



NHL on TNT’s panel recently discussed the drama in New York, with Anson Carter and Tuukka Rask suggesting <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/igor-shesterkin">Shesterkin</a> is the only player the Rangers can’t trade. According to them, the Broadway Blueshirts should at least be open to offers on everyone else. That includes stars like Adam Fox and Mika Zibanejad, as well as veterans like Vincent Trocheck and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jt-miller">J.T. Miller</a>.



<h2>Rangers with trade clauses </h2>



When there’s a will, there’s a way. If the Rangers truly want to trade any player on the roster, there’s usually a way to make it happen. That said, some players present taller hurdles to clear. As it stands, six Rangers carry full no-movement clauses this season: Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, J.T. Miller, Adam Fox, Vladislav Gavrikov, and Igor Shesterkin.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/22133353/igor-shesterkin-1920x1080.webp" alt="Igor Shesterkin " class="wp-image-566863"></figure><figcaption>Igor Shesterkin at Madison Square Garden </figcaption></figure>



Additionally, four others are under contracts with no-trade or modified no-trade clauses (M-NTC): Jonathan Quick (20-team no-trade list), Carson Soucy (12-team), William Borgen (no-trade clause, becomes M-NTC in 2026–27), and Vincent Trocheck (12-team).


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/mike-sullivan-net-worth"></div>


<h2>Panarin is on his way out</h2>



For a team and organization that has struggled in almost every area of the game lately, Drury has seemingly found his bread and butter: his willingness to move any player if the price is right. 



That strategy is now fueling trade buzz around Artemi Panarin. ‘The Breadman’ is playing on a contract year, and New York has made it clear it won’t be handing him a new deal after the 2025–26 season. 



The Rangers won’t just sit idle until Panarin’s contract runs its course, either. Instead, the top priority in the Big Apple has shifted to finding a trade New York can live with—and one Panarin is willing to waive his full no-movement clause for.

Not J.T. Miller: NY Rangers’ Mike Sullivan reportedly has just one untouchable player

Not J.T. Miller: NY Rangers’ Mike Sullivan reportedly has just one untouchable player - Bolavip US

When it rains, it pours. In the NHL, that is no different. For the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">New York Rangers</a>, the sun hasn’t come out in a while in The Big Apple. After falling 4-3 against the Los Angeles Kings, captain J.T. Miller took it upon himself to send head coach Mike Sullivan and his teammates a bold reminder.



When the Rangers do the right things—and when they don’t—the end result appears to remain unchanged. At some point, this becomes disheartening for an organization that seems to have lost its north long ago and now stares at a broken compass. 



So far, the plan that began when Miller was named captain—intended to inject a culture-changing personality into the locker room—has been anything but a success. However, Miller remains confident that he can help his team right the ship. In that regard, he delivered a glass-half-full message to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan">Sullivan</a> and company after the defeat in Los Angeles.



“I think we’re happy with the execution,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jt-miller">Miller</a> told The New York Post after the game. “At the end of the night, we can sleep well knowing that we’re doing the right things. You have to believe that if you keep doing the right things then the puck will go in the net.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/28113548/mike-sullivan-1-1920x1080.webp" alt="Mike Sullivan" class="wp-image-552742"></figure><figcaption>Mike Sullivan at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Loss after loss for Rangers</h2>



It’s been the story of the 2025–26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> season for Sullivan’s Rangers. New York stacks one loss after another, with wins serving only as sporadic intermissions in between. Just when the Broadway Blueshirts believe they’ve found a winning recipe, another misstep ensues, followed by tomatoes hurled from an anxious Madison Square Garden crowd that can’t take any more—yet somehow, there’s always room for more.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/mike-sullivan-breaks-silence-after-ny-rangers-announce-plan-to-trade-star-artemi-panarin"></div>


The Rangers have now lost two in a row and are 2–7–1 over their last 10 outings. Only one team has a worse record over that stretch—the Vancouver Canucks (0-8-2). Still, that offers little relief for New York, which should know by now that being compared to the organization in British Columbia at the moment is anything but a compliment.



<h2>Where the Rangers stand</h2>



The Rangers are last in the East, sitting 10 points back of the final wild-card berth. Needless to say, it will take a miracle—or something close to it—for New York to reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs. First and foremost, winds of change must find their way into the world’s most famous arena. Until then, words are wind in Manhattan, and they have yet to lead to better results on the ice.

NY Rangers captain J.T. Miller makes something clear to Mike Sullivan, teammates amid losing skid

NY Rangers captain J.T. Miller makes something clear to Mike Sullivan, teammates amid losing skid - Bolavip US

Rangers' Miller makes something clear to Sullivan, teammates amid losing skid

After suffering an injury during the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">New York Rangers</a>’ 5-4 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, J.T. Miller faces a big setback in his journey to the 2026 Olympics. However, reports suggest his spot on Team USA’s roster may be guaranteed.



His first NHL season as the Rangers’ captain has been anything but smooth sailing for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jt-miller">Miller</a>. New York has struggled to find consistency, and the fanbase has grown anxious over the team’s struggles on home ice. Finally, just when the Blueshirts managed to secure a divisional win at Madison Square Garden, Miller exited the game with an injury that will keep him sidelined. 



Still, reports around the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> indicate the latest health concern won’t play a role in Team USA’s decision. The fact that Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan will be behind the bench for the Americans may have something to do with that.



“Contrary to other reporting, hearing J.T. Miller’s candidacy for Olympics is not in jeopardy with injury,” insider Frank Seravalli reported through his X account. “He’s expected to miss a few weeks – at most – before returning to lineup.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251221_BUS_549292_mike-sullivan-3_0f11fdc9.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Mike Sullivan of the New York Rangers" class="wp-image-529581"></figure><figcaption>Mike Sullivan at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Sullivan will further evaluate Miller</h2>



Though Team USA’s roster for the 2026 Olympics isn’t decided entirely by head coach Sullivan, he does have a significant say in who makes the cut. Naturally, the Rangers’ mastermind could favor players he works with on a daily basis. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#20230316#BUS#216761"></div>


Moreover, Chris Drury is also part of the management staff for the American national team. Thus, Miller will not only have to prove he can return in peak form for the 2025–26 NHL campaign, but also earn his spot in the lineup when the league’s best talents go head-to-head on the biggest international stage.



<h2>Rangers confirm Miller’s injury</h2>



As reported by The New York Post’s Mollie Walker, Miller is being listed as week-to-week with an upper-body injury. As the Rangers travel to Music City to take on the Nashville Predators, Miller stayed home in New York.

NY Rangers captain J.T. Miller learns major confirmation on Olympics after suffering injury

NY Rangers captain J.T. Miller learns major confirmation on Olympics after suffering injury - Bolavip US

NY Rangers' Miller learns major confirmation on Olympics after injury

Missing a team meeting is not a move met nicely by some coaches and that’s the case for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mike Sullivan</a>. After not attending one of those meetings, the New York Rangers coach decided to take disciplinary actions against a huge name on the roster where JT Miller also plays.



According to Vince Mercogliano of The Athletic, Mika Zibanejad won’t play tonight. Mike Sullivan also opened up about it. “There are logistical challenges the city presents” that caused Zibanejad’s lateness, Sullivan said. He then added, “Mika understands the importance of the rules that we all expect of one another.”



Sullivan said Zibanejad “feels terribly. The one thing about Mika is he’s an honest person. He’s a great human being and he takes responsibility for it.” As long as we know, one game will be enough for Mika to learn not to skip <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rangers</a> meetings.



<h2>Will this affect the Rangers?</h2>



Not counting with Zibanejad is of course a hit to the team. He has played 33 games and scored 25 points so far this season. The Swedish star is the third-best scorer on the Rangers. In fact, he has scored five more points than <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jt-miller" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JT Miller</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251215_BUS_545932_mika-zibanejad_bbc0b3fe.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers" class="wp-image-419866" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers</figcaption></figure>



In the last five games, Zibanejad has scored five points. He has been great lately even if the team is 2-3 in that span, although three of those games were overtime matches. Two of those were losses.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/players-with-the-most-assists-in-a-single-season"></div>


<h2>The excuse of transportation is not that credible</h2>



If the Swede was new to the city or country, one could understand the “logistical challenges” the city presents. However, Zibanejad has played for the Rangers since 2016. It’s been a decade where he’s known every single place in New York City.



Besides, no other player on the roster was late, so it’s a tough one to believe. Mike Sullivan did show, however, he won’t take lightly any sign of uncommittment to the team.

NY Rangers News: Mike Sullivan punishes star teammate of JT Miller

NY Rangers News: Mike Sullivan punishes star teammate of JT Miller - Bolavip US

Mike Sullivan’s New York Rangers were found flat-footed once again. After losing to the Chicago Blackhawks by a score of 3-0, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jt-miller">J.T. Miller</a> decided enough was enough. Voicing a bold three-word wake-up call, the captain hopes to right the ship as New York has now lost three in a row in the NHL campaign.



Both the Rangers and Blackhawks entered Wednesday’s matchup on a losing streak. Thus, only one would be left standing after the game. Unfortunately for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan">Sullivan</a> and company, it was New York who got the short end of the stick once more in the 2025-26 NHL season.



Now, Miller has lost his patience. He made that perfectly clear with a blunt statement after the defeat at the United Center. As the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks">Hawks</a> prevailed over the Blueshirts in the Centennial showdown, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">Rangers</a>’ captain lit a fire under his team.



“They outcompeted us,” J.T. Miller summarized the outing with just three words, via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “Outexecuted us. We had trouble getting on the inside. It’s hard to score when you’re on the outside on the O-zone. They’re a man-on-man team. They kept us on the outside most of the night, created a lot of turnovers and defended well.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251211_BUS_543761_sullivan_80caff3e.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Mike Sullivan" class="wp-image-531164"></figure><figcaption>New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan looks on during an NHL game.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Miller pushes teammates to make self-criticism</h2>



Just when the Rangers had seemingly found their footing in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>, the house of cards has come crashing down. Dragging a three-game losing streak, New York knows it will take more than words to change the tune of its season.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/nhl-news-ny-rangers-reportedly-a-dark-horse-in-race-for-canucks-star-quinn-hughes"></div>


So far, it’s been disappointment after another. Needless to say, the fans in The Big Apple are growing tired of the team’s broken record-like performances. And so are the players in the locker room.



“It’s frustrating,” Miller continued. “I need to do, for me, I guess just a better job. I think leadership, we could all step up right now in games like those and put a better game on the ice. It’s all you can do, is worry about yourself and try to bring the best version of yourself.”



<h2>Snapping the hex</h2>



Up next, the Rangers return to Madison Square Garden. However, being back in the City That Never Sleeps may not bring the most joyful memories to the surface. New York has a 3-8-3 record at home in the 2025-26 NHL season—the worst in the league. The means are irrelevant. Right now, the only thing that matters for Sullivan, Miller, and company is getting back in the win column. When the Montreal Canadiens walk into the world’s most famous arena, that will be the main message.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="693af697e2d53b59fb2f052c" data-title="Will New York make the Stanley Cup Playoffs?" data-options="2"></div>

NHL News: NY Rangers captain J.T. Miller issues candid 3-word admission to Mike Sullivan after rough loss against Blackhawks

NHL News: NY Rangers captain J.T. Miller issues candid 3-word admission to Mike Sullivan after rough loss against Blackhawks - Bolavip US

Miller sends candid message to NY Rangers after Blackhawks loss

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">New York Rangers</a> appear to be regaining momentum after a challenging start to the season. Less than two weeks removed from hovering near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the team has now won four of its past five games heading into Thursday’s matchup at Ottawa.



After a comeback overtime victory against a hot Dallas Stars team on Tuesday, confidence is growing that the Rangers may have discovered the key to consistent success under coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan">Mike Sullivan</a>.



Captain <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jt-miller">J.T. Miller</a> emphasized that the team’s identity and mindset have been central to recent improvements. “When we play to our identity, we’re really hard to play against and really hard to beat — especially when we put the puck on the net and play with a lead,” Miller said, according to The New York Post.



<h2>Miller on mindset and team identity</h2>



Miller highlighted that the team’s success is mindset-driven rather than tactical. “It’s just mindset-driven. It has nothing to do with X’s and O’s, nothing to do with ability. It’s all about determination and what our intentions are,” he said, noting that coach Sullivan often reinforces the point: “Intention is everything. What’s your mindset for every game? What are your goals for the game?”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251204_BUS_538971_rangers_efe7105c.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-539001"></figure><figcaption>J.T. Miller #8 of the Rangers celebrates with teammates after assisting a a goal during the NHL game. Christian Petersen/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Rangers’ resilience on display</h2>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/nhl-news-mike-sullivan-sends-j-t-miller-ny-rangers-bold-message-after-comeback-win-against-stars"></div>


Against Dallas, the Rangers trailed late in the third period but showed resilience. Will Cuylle tied the game with just over two minutes left, and Vladislav Gavrikov scored early in overtime to secure the win. 



Miller added, “You have to move your feet and [play with] physicality. Two things that are accomplishable. When we play like that, we seem to play faster and the game opens up. It’s a big part of our identity.”


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6931a25ee2d53b59fb2f0439" data-title="Which factor is most responsible for the Rangers’ recent success?" data-options="4"></div>


Looking ahead to upcoming matchups against Ottawa, Colorado, and Vegas, Miller remains confident. “I think we prefer that at this point. There’s no reason not to get up for these games,” he said.

J.T. Miller explains the mindset behind NY Rangers’ resurgence

Capitals coach Spencer Carbery sends message to Alex Ovechkin following 2-goal night, 911th NHL goal

NHL News: Former Maple Leafs defenseman delivers candid warning on Auston Matthews’ underwhelming start

NHL News: NY Rangers' J.T. Miller explains how team identity drives winning performances - Bolavip US

NY Rangers’ Miller explains how team identity drives winning performances

NHL News: NY Rangers’ J.T. Miller explains how team identity drives winning performances

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan">Mike Sullivan</a>, J.T. Miller, and the New York Rangers made a statement in the NHL. Taking down the Dallas Stars by a score of 3-2 in overtime, the Broadway Blueshirts got back in the win column. Moreover, the Rangers put on a strong performance in front of their home fans at Madison Square Garden — a lingering issue all season long.



It wasn’t always pretty, but the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">Rangers</a> found a way. Facing off against Dallas was never going to be easy, and New York knew it had to deliver its best effort. That it did, and the Blueshirts walked away with their third home win of the NHL season because of it.



After the game, Sullivan issued a sincere message for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jt-miller">Miller</a> and the rest of the locker room to hear. “I really liked the response after we got scored against,” Sullivan said, via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/">NHL.com</a>. “We didn’t sink. 



“You get the feeling behind the bench. You can tell when those types of moments affect a team either in a negative way or the opposite. You can feel it on the bench and the feeling I got tonight was that the response was the right one, to answer, just drop the puck and play and let’s keep going at these guys, try to dig in here and find a way to get that tying goal. I give the players a lot of credit.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251203_BUS_538271_mike-sullivan-1_f528d71d.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Mike Sullivan" class="wp-image-447799" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Rangers have found a rhythym</h2>



With the win against the Stars, Sullivan’s Rangers confirmed what many around the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> were starting to realize: New York is finding its footing. It took a while, but it seems the Blueshirts are now truly buying in.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/nhl-news-ny-rangers-hc-mike-sullivan-offers-clear-explanation-for-controversial-decision-on-rookie"></div>


The Rangers have won four of their last five games in the 2025-26 NHL season. Moreover, they took down some perennial contenders in the league, both on the road and at home during this stretch. Now, New York must keep it going as it gears up to face the Ottawa Senators in Canada’s capital.



<h2>Will Cuylle speaks on team’s resilience</h2>



The Rangers are only 28 games into the season, yet they have been put through the wringer already. Whether Sullivan and his staff expected this year to be as challenging as it’s been or not, they knew it wouldn’t be an easy ride. The team has gone through its growing pains, and is finally seeing some fruits grow out of it. On that note, forward Will Cuylle voiced an honest comment on the team effort required to beat the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-stars">Stars</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251203_BUS_538271_jt.miller_43fb17ce.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="J.T. Miller looks at a teammate" class="wp-image-528778"></figure><figcaption>J.T. Miller at Madison Square Garden on November 04, 2025 in New York City. </figcaption></figure>



“After a poor performance on Saturday [against the Lightning], I think it shows some resilience in here,” Cuylle stated after the game, via The New York Post’s Mollie Walker on X. “Just bouncing back and being able to reset. Being proud of the way we play in front of our fans is really important to all of us. I’m glad we could put out a good effort today and get the win.”



Though they have more games played under their belt, the Rangers are now one point behind the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. After last season’s disappointing results, making the Stanley Cup Playoffs is an absolute must for the Broadway Blueshirts.

NHL News: Mike Sullivan sends J.T. Miller, NY Rangers bold message after comeback win against Stars

NHL News: Mike Sullivan sends J.T. Miller, NY Rangers bold message after comeback win against Stars - Bolavip US

Sullivan sends Miller, NY Rangers bold message after win vs Stars

After yet another gruesome defeat on home ice, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan">Mike Sullivan</a> isn’t letting J.T. Miller and the New York Rangers off the hook. As the team practiced ahead of a truly testing showdown in the NHL, the head coach commanded a blunt four-word order to the squad.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">Rangers</a> are looking to wipe the slate clean after an embarrassing 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Square Garden. In order to do so, they must get back in the win column in the 2025-26 NHL season. But even then, the Blueshirts have dug themselves a hole too big to climb out of with an occasional strong outing. Fans in The Big Apple demand consistency.



On that note, Sullivan is demanding more out of his players. The two-time Stanley Cup-winning head coach made that perfectly clear with a bold instruction for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jt-miller">Miller</a> and company.



“Make people defend you,“ Sullivan reportedly mandated the Rangers during the team’s practice on Monday per The Athletic’s Vince Mercogliano on X. The instruction given out in New York is for the Blueshirts to hang on to the pucks, instead of giving away possession as easily as they’ve done so far.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251201_BUS_537635_jt-miller-3_b8b56bfc.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="J.T. Miller warming up" class="wp-image-536695"></figure><figcaption>J.T. Miller warms up before a game in the 2025-26 NHL season</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Change of plans for Sullivan’s NY Rangers</h2>



Through the early stages of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> season, Sullivan’s Rangers have been characterized for their dump-and-chase philosophy. Putting pucks in deep and being aggressive on the forecheck has proven a recipe for success for many teams across the league. However, there is one key aspect the Blueshirts have seemingly overlooked: actually fighting to regain possession in the offensive zone. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/nhl-news-after-placing-adam-fox-on-ir-mike-sullivans-ny-rangers-turn-heads-with-major-decision"></div>


New York’s lackluster effort on the forecheck has been noted by upset fans. Being outplayed is one thing, but being out-hustled is a whole different story. And it usually signals bigger problems within the locker room and the team’s identity.



“They dump and then have no interest chasing which is the most maddening of it. Drives me bonkers so I can’t imagine how frustrated the coach is,” an user noted about the Rangers on X.



<h2>Fine line for the Rangers</h2>



The dump-and-chase philosophy is one of the most polarizing in hockey. Some live by it; others absolutely disdain it. There is a very fine line separating it between being successful or turning disastrous. 



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Way 👏 To 👏 Work 👏 <a href="https://t.co/iJq2yj3G3T">pic.twitter.com/iJq2yj3G3T</a>— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) <a href="https://twitter.com/TBLightning/status/1994863633265037341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



For skilled players, it can feel like a grueling, limiting dome being put over their game. If they find themselves with possession in the neutral zone, they must make a decision in a matter of seconds: hold on to the puck—risking a turnover that puts their team in a compromising position—or take the easy option, which is simply putting the puck in deep. 



However, small risks have small rewards. Constantly dumping the puck comes at the expense of explosive plays. Moreover, if the team struggles to actually put pressure on the forecheck, then it all becomes in vain. That has been the case for the Rangers so far, and part of the reason why Sullivan is now making an in-season adjustment.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="692e1fe1e2d53b59fb2f03e7" data-title="Is New York&apos;s lineup fit for a dump-and-chase philosophy, or should the Rangers embrace a different strategy?" data-options="3"></div>

Hoping to spark change in NY Rangers, Mike Sullivan issues bold 4-word order for J.T. Miller and the rest of the team

Hoping to spark change in NY Rangers, Mike Sullivan issues bold 4-word order for J.T. Miller and the rest of the team - Bolavip US

Sullivan issues bold 4-word order for J.T. Miller, NY Rangers

Just when the sun seemed to be rising on the New York Rangers, another disastrous outing changed the tune. Following the 4-1 loss at the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning, captain <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jt-miller" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">J.T. Miller</a> took it upon himself to deliver a wake-up call for Mike Sullivan and company.



Riding a three-game winning streak, Miller and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rangers</a> returned to Madison Square Garden. So far in the 2025-26 NHL season, the Broadway Blueshirts have consistently let their fans down at home—a lingering issue that remains unresolved. After the catastrophic loss to Tampa Bay, New York only saw that outstanding debt grow even larger.



This time, however, Miller knows exactly whom to point the blaming finger at. After the final horn went off, the captain made sure to address what can no longer be called a slump or a mental block. It seems to be a characteristic of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sullivan</a>’s Rangers—one that could send the season down the drain.



“We did it to ourselves,” J.T. Miller called it as it was after the defeat on home ice, via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. New York now registers a 2-8-1 record when playing at Madison Square Garden—the worst home mark in the NHL. The world’s most famous arena has always been a bucket list in New York City. With the Rangers’ current form, it’s become a dream rink for the rest of the league as well.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251130_BUS_536689_mike-sullivan-3_1a07a091.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Mike Sullivan of the New York Rangers" class="wp-image-529581"></figure><figcaption>Mike Sullivan at the Prudential Center on September 21, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Miller calls out the team</h2>



Even after allowing three goals in a loss, goalie Igor Shesterkin was named the third star of the game. Far from encouraging, it goes to show just how badly the Rangers were outplayed by the red-hot <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lightning</a>. Miller certainly didn’t let the embarrassing effort go unnoticed.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#20230316#BUS#216761"></div>


“There was no urgency today. We dipped our toe into the game and got outplayed basically the whole time. It’s unacceptable,” Miller added. “We’re trying to develop a standard and an identity around here and that was certainly not it.”



<h2>Lightning couldn’t be any different</h2>



As Tampa Bay bolted into MSG and brought back the ghosts from the not-so distant past to New York, the Lightning extended their great start to the 2025-26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> campaign. Outshooting the Rangers 35-13, the win was not once at threat during the cold night in the Big Apple. 



After the game, Nick Paul’s comments reflected just how different the season is going for the Bolts. “I just feel like we found our team identity and we’re building on it,” Paul commented per NHL.com. “We found what it takes to win and we’re just buying in every single game.”

NHL News: NY Rangers captain J.T. Miller bluntly sends five-word statement to Mike Sullivan, teammates after loss to Lightning

NHL News: NY Rangers captain J.T. Miller bluntly sends five-word statement to Mike Sullivan, teammates after loss to Lightning - Bolavip US

NY Rangers captain Miller sends Sullivan, teammates five-word message

Latest news from JT Miller. Find out about all the news related to JT Miller on bolavip.com/en