Rangers Recap: J.T. Miller Shines, But Defensive Lapses Haunt Blueshirts in Loss to Kings
There were flashes of promise, moments of grit, and the kind of young energy that gives fans something to believe in. But there were also the same old mistakes - early breakdowns, costly giveaways, and goaltending that just didn’t hold up when the Rangers needed it most. Let’s break down the good, the bad, and everything in between from the Rangers' latest matchup against the Kings.
The Good
J.T. Miller Leads by Example
When the Rangers needed a spark, J.T. Miller answered the call - twice.
The veteran forward buried two goals, showcasing the kind of scoring touch and leadership that’s made him a cornerstone in the lineup. Whether it was crashing the net or finding soft spots in the Kings’ zone, Miller was dialed in from the opening faceoff.
His performance wasn’t just about numbers - it was about tone-setting. And on a night when the Rangers were searching for rhythm, Miller brought it.
Youth Movement Making Noise
The trio of Bryce Laba, Will Cuylle, and Brennan Othmann continues to show why the Rangers’ future is in good hands. The line combined for a goal and brought relentless pressure on the forecheck, forcing turnovers and creating chances with their speed and tenacity.
It’s the kind of energy that doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet but absolutely changes the flow of a game. Their chemistry is growing, and their confidence is catching up fast.
Morrow Stepping Up
With Adam Fox still sidelined, the Rangers needed someone to step up on the blue line - and Scott Morrow is answering the call. He notched his sixth assist of the season, a new career high, and his third in the last four games.
Morrow’s poise with the puck and improving defensive reads are earning him more ice time, and he’s starting to look like a player who belongs in an NHL top-four role. It’s not easy filling Fox’s skates, but Morrow’s steady presence is helping keep the back end afloat.
The Bad
Another Slow Start
Eighteen seconds. That’s all it took for the Kings to find the back of the net.
It’s not the first time the Rangers have come out flat, and it’s starting to become a troubling trend. Whether it’s a lack of focus or just getting caught cold, giving up a goal that early puts the team on its heels before they’ve even broken a sweat.
Against a team like the Kings, who thrive on momentum, that’s a dangerous game to play.
Costly Turnovers
Vladislav Gavrikov had a moment he’d like to forget - a giveaway that led directly to a Kevin Fiala goal. It was the kind of mistake that swings momentum and deflates a bench.
Gavrikov’s been a solid contributor, but without Adam Fox in the lineup, every miscue on the back end feels magnified. The Rangers can’t afford to gift goals, especially against playoff-caliber opponents.
Goaltending Concerns
Jonathan Quick has been a stabilizing presence for much of the season, but this one wasn’t his night. The veteran netminder struggled to come up with the big saves when the Rangers needed them most.
It’s not all on Quick - defensive lapses in front of him didn’t help - but in a tight game, you need your goalie to be your best penalty killer and your last line of defense. That wasn’t the case here.
The Gray Area
There’s a lot of chatter around the direction of the team and the decisions being made at the top. Fans are passionate, and rightfully so - this is a franchise with high expectations and a roster built to compete.
The frustration is real, especially when the same issues keep popping up. But amid the noise, there are signs of growth.
Young players are stepping into bigger roles, veterans like Miller are still producing, and the team isn’t far from putting it all together.
The question now is whether the Rangers can clean up the details - the early-game focus, the puck management, the goaltending consistency - before those little cracks become bigger problems down the stretch.
One thing’s for sure: the pieces are there. It’s just a matter of putting them together before time runs out on the season.