The New York Rangers hit a new low on Monday night, and this one stung a little more than usual.
In what should have been a celebratory night for Mika Zibanejad’s 1,000th NHL game, the Rangers instead delivered a flat, lifeless performance in a 2-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators, a result that left captain J.T. Miller visibly frustrated.
J.T. Miller Blasts Rangers’ Effort in Disappointing Loss to Senators
The Rangers came into the game already out of the playoff picture, sitting at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division. But even with nothing on the line standings-wise, effort was expected, especially on a night honoring one of their core leaders.
Instead, New York managed just 9 shots on goal, tying a franchise-low mark dating back to 1955. Even more alarming, they recorded only 4 shots through the first two periods while being heavily outplayed.
It marked the fewest shots in an NHL game in over two decades, a stat that perfectly summed up how disengaged the Rangers looked.
After the game, Miller didn’t sugarcoat anything. “Quite simply, they just outcompeted us today from the puck drop,” Miller said.
Miller said this was the kind of loss that shouldn’t sit well with anyone in the locker room.
“For us to not win puck battles and not skate, those things are inexcusable. If you just have a rough night execution wise, you can get by. But we didn’t execute,” Miller said.
More notably, Miller turned the criticism inward, saying he hasn’t done enough as a leader to help turn things around.
“They have some unbelievable players and some guys that play a heavy game, and it was either we were going to match it or we’re not. And we didn’t. I don’t think we had 10 shots in Mika’s 1,000th game night. These ones don’t sit well,” he said.
While the Rangers struggled to find any rhythm, Ottawa took full advantage. Shane Pinto and Warren Foegele scored in the win.
James Reimer made just 8 saves. Conor Sheary scored New York’s only goal, and Igor Shesterkin made 31 saves.
Even more concerning for the Rangers, the Senators finished the game with just four defensemen after losing Thomas Chabot and Lassi Thomson to injuries, yet still controlled play with ease.
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As for the Rangers, the loss only deepens what has been a disappointing and frustrating season. With their own captain now publicly questioning their effort, it’s clear the issues go beyond talent or execution.
New York won’t have much time to regroup as they prepare to face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.
