He has been doing it all lately. Selling out to block shots, throwing the body, fighting. Really becoming a solid player for us
That was something I didn't expect from JT, but he's been at it a couple of times, or really getting in peoples faces.
I kinda like it.
The thing about his fighting is its not some stupid scrub like glass. He got into it with kesler. A proven top line ,rugged, strong player. Miller is just the right amount of crazy. I love it
I'm expecting Miller to drop off at some point - he's still a young player, I highly doubt he keeps this level of play up for the whole season. But if this is the Miller that we get in the home stretch and in the playoffs, that's a humongous benefit.
That being said - if JT wants to prove me wrong and play like this for the rest of his career, then I will happily eat my words. He's playing like a top-50 winger.
If Kreider can keep his play up then this team can really get going with Miller already taking the next step.
I also think Hayes has been better of late.
It's all about consistency with Miller. He has played well but let's not anoint him yet. 22 points in 46 games. He had 23 points in 58 last year. If he can continue playing like he is that's a good step. He has the ability but he needs to do this over an 82 game stretch.
One would have assumed that with his very good play he would be well over the pace he had last year. Not the case.
What matters is that Miller is cementing a spot in the line-up and getting regular top 6 time. Last year he bounced around the line-up constantly, being thrown in roles he shouldn't have been. He hasn't left the top 6 since early December.
I still remember the game where Miller really started to look different. Against the Islanders, him and Lindberg came out on their 1st **** and pounded the Isles every chance they got. Miller has been that player consistently and never looked back. 2nd on the team in hits and scoring well at ES.
I'm going to get shot for this. But Miller has been one of the team's best defensive forwards imo.
It's all about consistency with Miller. He has played well but let's not anoint him yet. 22 points in 46 games. He had 23 points in 58 last year. If he can continue playing like he is that's a good step. He has the ability but he needs to do this over an 82 game stretch.
One would have assumed that with his very good play he would be well over the pace he had last year. Not the case.