Grading New York Rangers Olympic Glory Amid a Difficult Season

Fans may not want it, but New York Rangers hockey returns to MSG tomorrow night to take on the Philadelphia Flyers. As frustrating as these remaining 25 games may be, a few Blueshirts return to MSG as winners. The performance of these three Rangers is certainly a highlight, no matter how many fans may not see it. Two Rangers helped Team USA capture gold, and one stood out amongst his team despite being eliminated in the quarterfinals. There may not be much to be proud of this season for the New York Rangers, but it doesn't change how valuable these three Blueshirts were. Each Ranger certainly stood out in their own way in Milan, but how exactly should we grade these Blueshirts?

Mika Zibanejad: A

There's no doubt this Rangers spot on Team Sweden was never questioned. Mika Zibanejad has certainly been the best Ranger in such a frustrating season, and stood out as one of Team Sweden's best. Though only playing five games, Zibanejad went on to lead Team Sweden with three goals, one of which saved Sweden for a moment. In the desperate need of a game-tying goal in the final minutes against Team USA, Zibanejad came through in this favorite spot on the ice. From the left circle, the 32-year-old forced overtime with a six-on-five goal. Unfortunately, his time in the Olympics ended moments later in overtime. Zibanejad ended his time in Milan standing out as one of Team Sweden's most valuable players. 

Vincent Trocheck: B

The one New York Ranger that seemed to have proven fans wrong the most was their 32-year-old center. Vincent Trocheck has proven time and time again that his presence in the lineup is valuable, but many still questioned his spot on Team USA. I'll always, Trocheck held his own in the faceoff circle, finishing second on Team USA in faceoffs. It's no surprise Mike Sullivan trusted him on several of these faceoffs, especially in overtime against Team Sweden in an elimination game. Though he was unable to score a goal during these Olympics, he collected three assists and was a major part of Team USA's defense and grit. After winning gold, Trocheck seemed one of the proudest; it would seem he was aware right from the start why he was chosen in the United States. 

J.T. Miller: B-

It hasn't been the best first season as the Rangers' newest captain, so it made sense why most questioned his spot on Team USA. Placed on the fourth line with Trocheck, J.T. Miller stood on his head and played his role as a physical fourth-line presence. Unlike Trocheck, Miller unfortunately didn't record a single point in these Olympics, but it was clear his purpose in Milan was much more than that. He may not have been the fastest on the ice, but his commitment never changed. When it came to the penalty kill, Miller and Trocheck shut down any team in their way and helped Team USA go 18-for-18 on a perfect penalty kill. His presence in New York may have had fans doubting his ability, but it doesn't change how big his role was on this United States team.