The New York Rangers might not have much to celebrate this season, but their stars certainly shone brightly at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. J.T. Miller, Vincent Trocheck, and Mika Zibanejad delivered standout performances, providing a silver lining in an otherwise challenging season for the team.
J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck played pivotal roles in Team USA's journey to gold, while Mika Zibanejad showcased his skills for Sweden, despite their quarterfinal exit. Adding to the Rangers' Olympic glory, head coach Mike Sullivan led the U.S. team to victory, with general manager Chris Drury contributing as part of the management team.
Let's dive into the performances of these three Rangers players at the Winter Games and evaluate their contributions.
J.T. Miller: B
Miller, the Rangers' captain, embraced a gritty, team-first mentality that was crucial to the United States' gold medal success. Playing a key role on the fourth line, Miller's defensive diligence and physical play were instrumental.
He excelled as a penalty killer, partnering effectively with Trocheck. Despite not recording a point in six games, Miller's impact was undeniable, as he put his ego aside to fit into the team's strategy.
While he occasionally struggled with the pace, his determination never wavered.
Vincent Trocheck: B+
Trocheck took the opportunity to silence his critics, proving his worth on a star-studded U.S. roster. His pride was evident after the gold medal win against Canada.
Starting as the 13th forward, Trocheck became a mainstay on the fourth line, demonstrating exceptional skill in the face-off circle with a 66.67% win rate. His defensive grit and penalty-killing prowess were vital, helping the U.S. maintain a perfect penalty kill record.
Trocheck also contributed three assists and became a fan favorite with his candid postgame celebrations.
Mika Zibanejad
Zibanejad was a standout for Sweden, leading the team with three goals and ranking second with six points over five games. His ability to deliver in crucial moments was on full display when he scored a game-tying goal against the U.S. in the quarterfinals. Zibanejad's consistent scoring and two-way play made him one of Sweden's top performers, as he recorded points in four of five games, including multi-point efforts.
These Olympic performances offer a glimpse of hope and pride for the Rangers, showcasing the talent and determination of their key players on the international stage.