The New York Rangers started their 2025-26 campaign with a concerning start, showing warning signs since their season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins. After Tuesday’s loss to the Edmonton Oilers, even Captain J.T. Miller had to acknowledge the team’s early struggles. This situation has left fans and analysts searching for answers, especially after their latest defeat at home.
What Did J.T. Miller Say After the Rangers’ Third Straight Home Loss?
The Rangers’ roster issues were apparent during their playoff absence in the 2024-25 season, but despite offseason adjustments, New York has stumbled into one of the worst home starts in NHL history. The franchise began with a 3-0 home loss to the Penguins on Oct. 7. However, they bounced back quickly on the road with a 4-0 victory over the Buffalo Sabres and a decisive 6-1 revenge win against the Penguins.
Unfortunately, their success on the road did not translate back to Madison Square Garden, where their struggles continued with a 1-0 loss to the Washington Capitals on Sunday. Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Edmonton cemented this stretch in the franchise’s history books for all the wrong reasons.
This loss made the Rangers the first team in league history to be shut out in three consecutive home games to open a season. As criticism from fans and the media began, Miller urged everyone to keep things in perspective.
“First of all, let’s not make this bigger than it is. It’s game five. There’s a lot to like about our game,” he told reporters Tuesday. The captain added, “It’s a unique situation, but let’s not blow this out of proportion here.”
While Miller projected confidence, rival fanbases have taken the opportunity to mock the Rangers’ scoring drought at home. Canadian filmmaker Pasha Eshghi was one of many who poked fun at the team’s struggles. In response to the outside noise, the Rangers’ captain remained defiant.
“We can all go home and sleep well knowing we played another good hockey game,” he said about his team’s efforts. “We’re competitors; we want to win; we’d love to see the puck go in the net. But right now it’s not. It’s on us to be mature about this.”
Despite the winless start at home, Miller emphasized that the season is still young and the team has the talent needed to turn things around. Forward Sam Carrick shared his captain’s view. “We’re in a good place right now. We know that we’re playing well,” he said.
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Carrick added, “We’re a tough team to play against. Once they start going in, things are going to turn around here.” The Rangers have already proven they can win this season with their impressive road victories, and Miller believes rediscovering that form is the key before their next game.
Despite the unusual start, analysts note that individual players are performing well. Defenseman Adam Fox leads the team in goals, while Carrick and Miller are tied for the team lead with three points each.
Next, the Rangers will visit the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on Friday. They will be looking to rebuild their momentum on the road before returning home.
