WELCOME, ROOK: Rookie J.T. Miller, who scored two goals in the Rangers’ 4-1 win over the Islanders Thursday night, congratulates teammate Ryan McDonagh after McDonagh’s empty-net goal sealed the victory for the Blueshirts. After his heroic debut, Miller said he is just trying to stay on an “even keel.” (Paul J. Bereswill)
Following Thursday night’s 4-1 win over the Islanders, Rangers rookie J.T. Miller went out to eat with his family on Seventh Avenue, just a few blocks from where the 19-year-old ignited Madison Square Garden in his home debut.
He may not be recognized yet in a city of millions, but after scoring two goals in the second game of his NHL career, the 2011 first-round pick quickly ensured the Lightning will be looking out for No. 47 in tomorrow’s game at the Garden.
“It’s been crazy the last couple of weeks here, so I’m just trying to make sure I’m relaxed and I regroup again and stay on an even keel and not worry about the last game and just go into the next game like it’s my first game,” Miller said after yesterday’s practice.
Miller provided an immediate, and necessary, offensive boost beyond the Rangers’ top line, becoming the first Ranger to score multiple goals in his MSG debut since Chris Kontos in 1983. In addition to becoming the youngest Ranger to score multiple goals since Alex Kovalev in 1992, Miller’s second goal, which put the Rangers up 3-1 in the second period, was a spectacular sight for a power play that only had scored on three of 36 chances previously.
The latest in a line of Rangers rookies to have an instant impact, following Carl Hagelin and Chris Kreider last season, Miller said he’s watching the players who recently have gone through what he currently is to help ease his transition.
“I’m just trying to feed off everybody, even the younger guys that are here just trying to learn from them and see how they take care of themselves,” Miller said. “It’s kind of tough, trying to adjust to a new style of game, a new team and a new coaching staff. That’s why I’m just trying to pick up on little things to help you get through the process.”
Coach John Tortorella said he was pleased with Miller’s play, but does not want to give him too much too soon, at risk of hurting his development. Though he loved Miller’s energy, the coach cautioned he has to channel it in the right way.
“[Miller] has some bite to him. And I’d rather have a guy that you need to tame a little bit as he’s learning to be a pro than try to get someone to play with some spunk like that,” Tortorella said after the game. “I like the way he carries himself. He has some good strut to his game. We just got to make sure he doesn’t cross the line the other way and he’s done that a few times along the way.”
Miller agreed his effectiveness is dependent on staying on the right side of a fine line.
“I guess sometimes my personality is kind of hard to handle,” Miller said. “I always had a bad temper when I was younger. That could probably get in the way. It’s a good point. I just got to make sure I’m focused in on the game there and on my task.
“I used to be pretty hard on myself. I just got to make sure I’m honed in on that and taking care of myself.”
* Dan Girardi returned to the ice yesterday, skating with the team after missing the past two games with an undisclosed lower-body injury.
The defenseman, who previously missed just two games in the past five seasons, said he has felt improvement and was hopeful but unsure whether he will be able to play tomorrow.