Rangers Move J.T. Miller Off Top Power-Play Unit
The New York Rangers reshuffled their power-play groups on November 3, moving captain J.T. Miller off the first unit before their game against St. Louis.
On November 3, the Rangers changed their power-play combinations ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Blues, putting Gabe Perreault on the top group in place of captain J.T. Miller. Tye Kartye also joined the second unit, replacing Eeli Tolvanen.
New York’s power play was converting at a 20 percent rate, ranking 18th in the league entering Monday. After scoring on five of their first seven chances this season, the Rangers had managed three goals on their previous 21 opportunities, a 14.3 percent rate. Last season, despite finishing last in the Eastern Conference, they ranked fifth in the NHL at 24.7 percent.
Coach Mike Sullivan said the change was intended to refresh the groups amid frustration, and that it was not necessarily a permanent solution. Miller, who had one power-play goal and one assist, said the team had fallen short of its standards and could benefit from a shake-up. Sullivan said Miller understood the decision and was responding well.
The Rangers also recalled forward Jaroslav Chmelar from AHL Hartford and sent Taylor Raddysh to the Wolf Pack. Defenseman Sean Durzi, who has an undisclosed injury, missed practice and remained day to day. Goaltender Joonas Korpisalo practiced, but Sullivan had no decision on whether he could play later in the week.