Rangers HC Mike Sullivan must do one thing to secure a playoff run

The New York Rangers fans must be enjoying that their team is finally fixing itself after a complicated start to the season, with an overall record of 9-7-2.

Mike Sullivan's team has won six of its last eight games. One of their key players is captain J.T. Miller, who is carrying a preseason injury that has reduced his explosiveness.

Despite this, Miller, 32, has contributed nine points in 18 games, being the tone-setter of the team; he wins board battles, stabilizes the power play, and his presence improves the rookies. His hockey IQ compensates for part of his athletic decline.

It is precisely because of his high impact that Sullivan should consider giving his captain rest now.

Why Mike Sullivan should give J.T. Miller rest now

It is preferable to have Miller at his 100% in the spring than one at his 75-80% all year. There is a risk of aggravating his injury, and it must be avoided at all costs.

Giving him rest now will prevent his injury from becoming chronic and will increase the probability of a peak form in a hypothetical playoffs. Load management is a long-term investment, not a weakness.

The Rangers have enough depth to be able to absorb his absence. Vincent Trocheck is currently a two-way force, Gabe Perreault provides creativity in the top-six, while Jonny Brodzinski and Juuso Parssinen can come in without missing a beat. Noah Laba, for his part, has already shown he can handle tough minutes in Trocheck's absence.

Reassigning defensive zone starts and adjusting both the first and second power play units is viable with the current talent on Sullivan's roster. The team should not need to force Miller to sustain identity and results.

The Rangers captain has looked less fluid recently, generating doubts when driving the middle, and has not been able to string together dominant games. He has a good read of the game, but he is a diminished version.

The short-term cost could be less voice on the ice and external noise in case results drop, but it is worth it because the return of a full Miller compensates for any transient loss of points.