Former NYR Mike Rupp on K’Andre Miller: ‘This guy only scores monster goals’
Former New York Rangers forward and current NHL Network Analyst Mike Rupp is in love with K’Andre Miller’s game.
“This guy’s been incredible,” Rupp told Forever Blueshirts in a recent interview. “I love what he brings. A lot of this year we’ve been talking about Tage Thompson in Buffalo because every goal he scores is highlight reel, but I was thinking about this the other day when K’Andre scored that big goal against Minnesota– it’s beautiful.”
Rupp, who played 11 years in the league including 68 games with the Rangers over two seasons, watched Miller up close covering the game on ESPN radio. He was in the building to see the Rangers thrilling 2-1 overtime win over the Dallas Stars which left him speechless.
“Not just big moment goals but highlight reel goals,” Rupp began. “Last night (against Dallas), when that happens and he scores with 0.2 on the clock, it was incredible. This guy scores big goals and is a big time player. I’m a huge K’Andre Miller fan.
Mike Rupp on K’Andre Miller
The Rangers selected Miller in the first-round of the 2018 Draft (22 overall). He’s already surpassed previous career highs in points and assists. The 22 year-old is at 23 points in 43 games and his .52 points per game average has him on pace for 42 in just his third full NHL season.Â
“The way he jumps up and goes,” Rupp noted. “I actually learned this yesterday that he’s third in the NHL for stick-checks to free up pucks and breakup plays. It’s incredible. We’ve seen a couple of times this year springing himself on breakaways– this guy only scores monster goals.”
When analyzing his game further, Rupp still sees the youngster making his share of defensive mistakes. With that being said, he feels Miller is only just starting to realize his full potential.
“He still catches himself out of position once in awhile,” Rupp explained. “He’s such a great skater, he can make up for it. He’s got that skating ability and reach. Any big framed player– it takes bigger players longer to adapt because you’re in survival mode. He shouldn’t forget the advantages he has with his size and K’Andre is starting to realize he can flex that a little bit more.”
Miller is a pending restricted free agent and will need to be re-signed this summer. The Rangers are going to be up against the salary cap and will not only have to find money for K’Andre but players like Alexis Lafreniere and Filip Chytil as well.
Rupp pointed out the Rangers predicament but feels the Rangers defense as a whole can be something special.
“I love this d-core through and through,” Rupp admitted. Probably one of my favorite Rangers on the backend is Braden Schneider, who I think is going to be an absolute stud. Foxy is absolutely legendary with what he does. I think there’s going to be some tough decisions in the coming years because you can only pay so much money. It’s going to be tough.”
You can see the rest of our interview with Mike Rupp on our YouTube Channel here.
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