Miller Has Best Game of WJC But Not Enough as USA Loses to Canada 2-1
JT Miller and Team USA dropped to 1-2-0 at the World Junior Championships after a 2-1 loss to Canada.
Chris Peters at the United States of Hockey recaps Miller day...
"I think that might have been Miller’s best game in the tournament, but it wasn’t going to take a lot. The one faceoff Nugent-Hopkins won all day came at Miller’s expense and led to a goal. That said, Miller got better as the game went on and started generating some chances. There hasn’t been a lot to write home about when it comes to Miller’s second turn at the WJC. That has to change, and soon."
...i didn't watch a second of the game so it's hard for me to comment on Miller's performance but despite a better effort he really needs to step up his game.
...i wasn't a big fan of Miller leaving the Whale to play in this tournament as I felt staying in North America was better for his development and up until this point it looks like I was right as the World Juniors experience has done absolutely nothing to make him better.
USA plays Slovakia tomorrow with the winner moving on to the next round.
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Kevin has it 100% right sending him to play in Russia is a big mistake on 3 key points: First Miller has to adapt to a totally different brand of hockey, the rink size is bigger, the speed of the game is slower, the rules are different and none of the players on Team USA will be teammates as Rangers so chemistry will not matter. Second after watching 3 games, it is clear that Housley has no idea how to use Miller. I have been saying since day 1 that putting Miller with 2 smurfs was a huge mistake. Miller is at his best when he is with another grinder. I would have used Miller with Tyler Biggs his linemate when both were in USNTDP and Mario Lucia. 2 grinders and a scorer.
Third is the reverse of the first point as Miller will had to re-adapt to a faster speed, a smaller rink, different rules and rebuild chemistry with his Whale teammates.
I think its best for him to be there. He's playing the top end young talent in the world and also getting some time as a top line forward. Going up against Nugent-Hopkins can only make him better. And him struggling is fine, he needs to struggle and to learn from mistakes and adversity. He is still just 19. And most importantly, this might be the last time he ever gets to play for team USA and in no way shape or form should anyone stop him from having that honor. Sure there are the world championships and the Olympics, but hopefully he's always in the playoffs and unavailable for the WCs, and unfortunately I dont know if he is of the talent level to play for the US in the olympics. This is great for him, both in his development and an incredible experience that he deserves
@TheNYRBlog JT is at least one more season away from NHL. Still needs more size and needs to learn how to attack the net better
I have no idea if this is true but I heard a rumor he's had the flu which might explain why he's playing so poorly. That said, I understand how you feel. But asking him to miss this would be like asking Callahan not to go to the Olympics cause you're afraid he will get hurt or worn out. You can ask but they won't listen.
@Melissa (angelzeyes2521) Miller's uncle tweeted me the other day saying that he had the flu.
@TheNYRBlog not a knock on miller but its just not a very talented group. although trouba impresses me a lot.
