New York Rangers Captain J.T. Miller Criticizes Team After 5-1 Loss Amid Struggles

The New York Rangers have been struggling early in their 2025-26 NHL season, with a disappointing 3-5-2 record and recent three-game losing streak. Captain J.T. Miller, recently named the 29th captain in franchise history, has been vocal about the team's poor starts, calling out flat performances and emphasizing the need to correct these trends immediately during a tough road trip. Miller's leadership style involves blunt honesty, which aligns with the team's expectations when naming him captain, reflecting his competitive nature and commitment to improvement. Concerns have arisen about Miller's health and form, as fans noticed he hasn't looked fully recovered from a lower-body injury sustained in the preseason. The latest 5-1 loss to the Calgary Flames, a team with a previously long losing streak, highlighted defensive lapses and sluggish starts, with both Miller and head coach Mike Sullivan expressing frustration over the team's lack of intensity and attention to detail early in games. Miller's upcoming return to Vancouver, where he was traded from, is seen as a potential turning point to regain his scoring touch and help the Rangers improve their performance.