Rangers Captain Blasts Team After Crushing Senators Loss

J.T. Miller calls out Rangers' lack of effort in historic defeat at home.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 5:56am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York Rangers captain J.T. Miller did not hold back in his criticism of the team's performance following a crushing 9-shot loss to the Ottawa Senators. The Rangers tied a franchise record for fewest shots in a game, despite the Senators playing much of the contest with only four defensemen. Miller said the team was "outplayed" and "outcompeted" in a game where they should have capitalized on the Senators' depleted lineup.

Why it matters

The Rangers have struggled mightily this season, especially at home, where they are the only Eastern Conference team with fewer than 10 wins. Miller's blunt assessment highlights the team's lack of effort and commitment, which has contributed to their position at the bottom of the standings.

The details

The Rangers were celebrating center Mika Zibanejad's 1,000th NHL game on Monday, but the milestone was overshadowed by the team's dismal performance. New York managed just 9 shots on goal, tying a franchise record, despite the Senators playing much of the game with only 4 defensemen due to injuries.

  • The Rangers lost to the Senators on Monday, March 24, 2026.
  • Mika Zibanejad was playing in his 1,000th NHL game.

The players

J.T. Miller

The captain of the New York Rangers, who strongly criticized his team's lack of effort and commitment following the loss to the Senators.

Mika Zibanejad

The New York Rangers center who was playing in his 1,000th NHL game on the night of the team's loss to the Senators.

Mike Sullivan

The head coach of the New York Rangers, who acknowledged the team's difficult circumstances but said there is "no room for rationalizing" the poor performance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't know what to say. We got outplayed, we got outcompeted. Things that we're just not OK with as a group and it's a shame on a night like tonight.”

— J.T. Miller, New York Rangers Captain

“I'll acknowledge that our circumstance is difficult, but I don't think there's any room for rationalizing. I just think we've got to play a game with more commitment.”

— Mike Sullivan, New York Rangers Head Coach

What’s next

The Rangers will look to bounce back on Wednesday when they travel to face the Toronto Maple Leafs, before returning home for their final homestand of the season on Friday.

The takeaway

This loss highlights the Rangers' struggles this season, especially at home, where they have the fewest wins in the Eastern Conference. Miller's blunt criticism of the team's lack of effort and commitment suggests the players know they need to improve their performance if they want to end the season on a positive note.