NEW YORK -- New York Rangers left wing J.T. Miller is expected to make his debut in the Eastern Conference Final series against the Montreal Canadiens at Madison Square Garden on Sunday (8 p.m. ET; CBC, RDS, NBCSN).
Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said Saturday that he intends to have Miller in the lineup.
Miller, who has appeared in three games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and has two assists and a plus-3 rating, will likely join center Brian Boyle and right wing Derek Dorsett on the fourth line.
"J.T. is a great player," Dorsett said. "He's a big strong kid that can play any way. He has a lot of skill and can play a physical style too. Me and Brian Boyle will talk to him and keep it simple by getting pucks deep and keeping it the same way our fourth line has been playing the entire playoffs."
Miller acknowledged that he's looking forward to getting back in the lineup.
"Brian [Boyle] is so reliable and he's over the puck so well with that big body, so I just got to find an area for him," Miller said. "He makes it a lot easier."
Miller said it was beneficial for him watching from the sideline. He last played May 5, earning 11:34 of ice time in a 2-0 loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Second Round series.
"This is my first time in the playoffs, so being a part of the team and just seeing the passion the guys bring to the team every day is special," he said. "I just need to be a student of that and try to learn. When I get an opportunity I just have to be sharp because you never know what type of chance you might get. I know I have to throw pucks on net and try, try and get behind the net and keep the puck there."
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