The New York Rangers might be holding their breath as they await captain J.T. Miller's return for their first game post-Olympic break against the Philadelphia Flyers. Fresh off a thrilling gold medal win, Miller and his teammates from Team USA are soaking in every moment of their victory.
After edging out Canada 2-1 in a nail-biting overtime finish in Milan, Team USA returned stateside, opting for a celebratory detour in Miami due to a blizzard in the Northeast. The change in plans led to a legendary night at E11even Miami, where Miller was at the heart of the festivities.
The 32-year-old captain was seen crowd-surfing and belting out tunes, including Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue,” proving that while he might not have a future in music, his spirit is undeniable.
The entire team joined in, singing the Star-Spangled Banner and sharing champagne with revelers. E11even, no stranger to championship parties, had seen the Florida Panthers celebrate there after their recent Stanley Cup wins, with Matthew Tkachuk often leading the charge.
This celebration marked a historic moment for Team USA, as it was their first Olympic gold in men’s hockey since the iconic Miracle on Ice in 1980, and only their third ever. Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils clinched the victory with the Golden Goal in overtime. Meanwhile, Miller and fellow Ranger Vincent Trocheck were pivotal on the fourth line, with Trocheck also tallying three assists during the tournament.
A viral moment captured Trocheck humorously promising to celebrate hard, earning him a bit of cult status among fans. However, it was Miller who might have overshadowed his teammate with his Miami antics.
Now, with a White House visit on the agenda and the NHL season resuming, Miller and Trocheck need to shift focus quickly. The Rangers hit the ice again on Thursday, and fans will be eager to see if their Olympic heroes can carry the momentum back into the league.