The New York Rangers defensemen K'Andre Miller's status remains unknown. He will be missing his second straight game tonight.
NEW YORK, NY -- On Tuesday of this week, K'Andre Miller was absent from the New York Rangers morning skate and did not play in the team's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs due to personal reasons.
After missing Wednesday's practice as well, the 23-year-old return to the ice and the team on Thursday, where he skated and spoke with the media afterwards.
Peter Laviolette confirmed that Miller will not play in tonight's game against the Anaheim Ducks, but there weren't many additional comments.
When Laviolette spoke with the media yesterday, he talked about working through it with Miller, "It was great to have him out here right now. I'm working through the lineup. But just to get him back, I thought getting on the ice to practice, that's where he wanted to be. So, I think we're still making decisions with that."
Without having any knowledge on the situation, it's important to note that Miller has been around the team, is communicating with the coaching staff and whenever he feels ready to play his spot will be waiting for him.
For players in the NHL, as important as it is to feel ready to play physically, it's just as important to feel okay mentally.
It took a lot of strength and courage for Miller to speak up to the media about whatever he might be going through. The number one priority is for him to get to a place mentally where he feels able to get back on the ice.
For the time being, the Rangers will miss having him on the ice, but it seems that the coaching staff and organization are doing a fine job at monitoring the situation.
The Rangers will face-off in Boston tomorrow against the Bruins. Miller could return to the lineup then.