DENVER – After graduating through the U.S. National Team Development Program and the University of Wisconsin, K'Andre Miller has been lauded as a true two-way defenseman.
Given Miller's remarkable athleticism, skating abilities and the fact that he began his hockey career as a forward, the Minnesota native has always had tantalizing potential in his offensive game.
This season, his fifth with the Rangers, hasn't been the smoothest for Miller on both sides of the puck.
There has been a decline on defense, but his lack of production appears to have exacerbated the problem even deeper.
Generating and creating offense appears to be a major source of confidence for the 24-year-old blueliner.
“Obviously I would like to produce a little more than I am right now and contribute that way,” Miller told The Post on Monday after the Rangers practiced at the University of Denver. “But, you know, I'm just trying to come to the rink now with a smile on my face, push my teammates to be better and hold myself to a standard that I know I can come in and play to every night.”
Entering Tuesday night's game against the Avalanche, Miller had just two goals and five assists with a minus-five rating through 39 games.
To put it in perspective: Last season, Miller actually registered seven goals and nine assists with a plus-five rating during the same period.
This connection between his all-around game and production goes back to earlier in his career as well.
During the 2022-23 season, Miller hinted at the weight of searching for his first target of the season in early December.
He ultimately did not score until Game 27 of 82, on December 5 against the Blues, a tying score in the third period of an eventual 6-4 Rangers win.
The Rangers' defensive collapse as a team during that 4-15 stretch through the end of 2024 didn't fall solely on Miller's fault, but he was complicit.
There were serious questions about the Blueshirts' defensive approach and the abundance of costly missteps that occurred within it.
Miller had his fair share, the last one leading to the Stars' equalizer before their 5-4 overtime win at the Garden last week.
Despite having complete control of the ball, Miller lost it when Sam Steele checked up front to disrupt a pass attempt behind the Rangers' net. He fed Thomas Harley to make it 4-4 at 17:21 of the third period.
Aside from that, Miller has built a solid duo with Will Borgen since December 28, which was just four games into his Minnesota Rangers tenure following Kaapo Kakko's trade to Seattle.
“Tremendously,” Miller said when asked if it was a good fit for Borgen. “I feel like I've been trying to find my game, this year. I think the last two games have been a step in the right direction for me and I feel more confident right now. In a good headspace. Things are going well.”
In 128:35 of ice time so far, according to Natural Stat Trick, Miller and Borgen have scored eight goals for the Rangers and six against them. In addition, they posted a goal percentage of 57.14, while also outscoring opponents 65-56.
Burgin described Miller as an “all-around solid player,” noting the 6-foot-5, 210-pounder's speed and ability to shoot pucks. He also praised Miller for his communication on the ice as well.
“They start difficult matches and choose great players,” said Peter Laviolette, the team’s coach, about the duo. “They're both big. They can skate. I think they did a really good job together. The pairs seem to be getting stronger as they get used to each other. I think they were really good, but the duos were good, too.”
