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>


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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.

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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

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<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.


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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. 


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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.


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“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

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