Rangers takeaways: K’Andre Miller’s confidence rises, New York returns to the playoff picture, and more.

Rangers Takeaways: K’Andre Miller’s Confidence Rises, New York Returns to the Playoff Picture, and More

As the 2025 NHL season progresses, the New York Rangers are finding their stride, thanks to strong performances from key players and an overall surge in team confidence. A significant storyline has been the rising confidence of defenseman K’Andre Miller, whose development has been one of the most exciting aspects of the Rangers’ season so far. His growing maturity, both on and off the ice, has contributed to the team’s success, and the Rangers are finding themselves in a good position to secure a playoff berth as a result.

From Miller’s emergence as a leader on the blue line to the Rangers reestablishing themselves in the playoff picture, this season has offered many encouraging takeaways. Let’s dive deeper into these developments and explore the key reasons for New York’s strong play, along with what needs to happen for the team to continue moving forward.

1. K’Andre Miller’s Confidence Rising

One of the most compelling narratives for the New York Rangers this season has been the impressive growth of K’Andre Miller, who has emerged as a top-tier defenseman in the NHL. Drafted in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft, Miller was once viewed as a raw but highly skilled prospect with immense potential. Fast-forward to 2025, and Miller is fulfilling that potential, emerging as one of the Rangers’ most reliable and dynamic players.

Miller’s Defensive Maturity

K’Andre Miller’s growth on the defensive side of the puck has been remarkable. Known for his size, skating ability, and raw talent, Miller struggled with consistency during his first few seasons in the league. However, in the 2025 season, Miller has taken a massive step forward, both in his positioning and his decision-making. His gap control is much improved, and he has shown a remarkable ability to defend against both the rush and in-cycle situations.

The Rangers have relied on Miller to handle tough assignments against opposing teams’ top lines. His speed and ability to read the game have allowed him to neutralize some of the league’s best forwards, and his physical play has made him a real presence on the blue line. Miller has also become a key penalty killer, using his long reach and strength to disrupt passing lanes and clear the puck from his zone effectively.

One of the most significant improvements in Miller’s game is his ability to make quick, decisive decisions under pressure. Where he once hesitated in certain situations, he now plays with the confidence of a veteran, trusting his instincts to make the right move. This newfound composure has allowed Miller to take on a bigger role in the Rangers’ defensive core, providing stability in key moments.

Offensive Growth

Miller has also shown growth offensively. While he was always known for his skating ability, he’s now contributing more to the Rangers’ attack. With a heavy shot and excellent vision, Miller has become an asset in generating offensive zone time. He’s been effective at pinching in from the point, joining the rush, and getting pucks to the net. His passing has improved as well, with Miller routinely setting up teammates in high-scoring areas.

In recent games, Miller has been able to add to his point totals, and it’s clear that his offensive confidence is on the rise. He’s become more assertive in using his size to protect the puck and create space for his teammates. This added offensive element makes him a true two-way threat, and his development in this area only increases his value to the Rangers moving forward.

Leadership Role

Beyond his on-ice play, Miller has emerged as a leader for the Rangers, especially as one of the younger members of the blue line. His maturity and ability to remain calm during high-pressure situations have been noticed by his teammates, and his steadying influence has made him a key figure in the locker room. As the season progresses, Miller looks poised to continue growing as a leader and a cornerstone of the Rangers’ defensive core for years to come.

2. Rangers Return to the Playoff Picture

For much of the early part of the 2025 season, the Rangers found themselves fighting to stay in the playoff race. However, after a stretch of impressive play, the Rangers have successfully worked their way back into the playoff picture, thanks to a combination of factors including stellar goaltending, balanced scoring, and improved team defense. With the season now entering its crucial stretch, the Rangers have positioned themselves as serious contenders for a playoff spot.

A Balanced Roster

One of the key reasons the Rangers have been able to turn their season around is the depth they have in their lineup. The team has a perfect blend of established stars and rising players, giving them the flexibility to match up well against any opponent. The top line, featuring Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Chris Kreider, has been as dangerous as ever. Panarin continues to be one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers, while Zibanejad and Kreider provide scoring and physicality in abundance.

In addition to the offensive prowess from the top line, the Rangers’ depth has been a major factor. Players like Filip Chytil, Alexis Lafrenière, and Kaapo Kakko have continued to improve, providing secondary scoring and helping take pressure off the top players. The Rangers have shown that they don’t rely on just one line to get the job done; they have a balanced attack that can wear down opponents.

Goaltending Stability

Another significant reason for the Rangers’ resurgence has been the return of Igor Shesterkin to elite form. After a challenging start to the season, Shesterkin has found his rhythm, providing the Rangers with consistent, high-level goaltending. Known for his acrobatic saves and ability to steal games, Shesterkin’s play in net has been a key factor in the Rangers’ return to the playoff race. As the team has settled into a more cohesive defensive structure, Shesterkin has been able to play with more confidence, and his elite shot-stopping ability has made a difference in tight games.

Shesterkin’s strong play has not only helped the Rangers secure points but has also allowed the team to remain competitive during stretches when they weren’t firing on all cylinders offensively. His ability to make key saves in crucial moments has given the Rangers the foundation to continue winning games and climbing up the standings.

Defensive Improvements

While the Rangers have always been known for their offensive firepower, one of the reasons for their resurgence this season has been their defensive improvements. The addition of Jacob Trouba as a leader on the blue line, combined with the strong play of Miller and veteran defenseman Ryan Lindgren, has bolstered the Rangers’ overall defensive play. Their ability to limit high-danger chances and manage puck possession has made them a tougher team to break down.

As the season has gone on, the Rangers have become a more disciplined team, avoiding costly penalties and tightening up defensively in their own zone. This has allowed them to keep games close and stay in contention for important points.

3. Special Teams Play: A Key to Success

As any successful team knows, special teams can make or break a season. For the Rangers, both their power play and penalty kill have been crucial to their recent success. The Rangers have had a top-five power play all season, thanks in large part to the outstanding playmaking of Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox.

Power Play Excellence

The Rangers’ power play has been one of the most dangerous in the league, largely due to the brilliance of Panarin, Fox, and Zibanejad. Panarin’s vision and ability to set up one-timers have allowed the Rangers to dominate the man-advantage. Zibanejad’s deadly shot from the right circle is a constant threat, and Fox’s puck movement from the point has been key in keeping the opposing penalty kill off balance. With these weapons at their disposal, the Rangers have capitalized on power-play opportunities at a high rate, making them a dangerous team when they have the extra man.

Penalty Kill Efficiency

On the penalty kill, the Rangers have been equally effective. With Ryan Strome and Mika Zibanejad playing key roles, the Rangers’ penalty kill has ranked among the top units in the league. Their ability to pressure opposing power plays and force turnovers has limited the opposition’s ability to capitalize on special teams chances. Shesterkin’s goaltending has also played a major role in the Rangers’ penalty kill success, as he has been able to make key saves and keep the team out of trouble.

As the Rangers continue to push for a playoff spot, their special teams play will be a critical factor in determining their success. If the power play and penalty kill can continue to perform at a high level, the Rangers will remain a difficult team to beat.

4. Looking Ahead: Playoff Push and Beyond

As the Rangers move into the final stretch of the regular season, the playoff race is heating up. With the Eastern Conference looking more competitive than ever, the Rangers will need to continue to build on the momentum they’ve gained in recent weeks. There are a few key areas the team will need to focus on in order to ensure they stay in the playoff hunt:

• Consistent Scoring Depth: While the Rangers’ top players have been outstanding, they will need continued contributions from their secondary scorers. Players like Chytil, Lafrenière, and Kakko will need to step up and provide additional offense to ensure the Rangers remain balanced.
• Defensive Consistency: While Miller’s growth has been a major positive, the Rangers need to ensure they stay disciplined defensively, particularly against high-powered offenses. They’ll need to continue limiting scoring chances and maintaining puck possession to protect their leads.
• Shesterkin’s Continued Excellence: Shesterkin will need to stay hot down the stretch for the Rangers to have a chance at making a deep playoff run. His ability to stay consistent and provide timely saves will be a key factor in determining the team’s success.
• Special Teams Play: As mentioned earlier, the Rangers’ special teams will play a significant role in their postseason hopes. Continuing to dominate on the power play and maintaining a strong penalty kill will be crucial.