Ryan Miller powers Sabres victory

by David Oleksy on Jan 10, 2009 12:40 AM EST

It was another game that I didn't get to see but all indications were that Ryan Miller was outstanding. I was stat watching all night and the Rangers seemed to dominate the Sabres for most of the game but they got Miller to steal one.

How many times have I said that good teams have a Goalie that can steal a game or two when the team doesn't play well? Well tonight that happened folks. Are the Sabres turning into a good team? It may actually be true, they may be ready to make a run to the playoffs.

Because I didn't get to see the game I will save the analysis for those who did. I just wanted to comment on the play of the Goalie because the thought of Ryan Miller becoming a guy who can steal a game...well quite frankly, it has me excited.

NHL.com Recap

Ryan Miller had this to say...

"It was fun. I can't imagine Steve's feeling as high about it, but he should be happy with his game," Miller said. "He played really well. These nights don't come around too often where you go head-to-head with the other guy."

Ex-Sabre Chris drury had this to say...

"Both were good," said Rangers captain Chris Drury, a former Buffalo star. "Ryan's one of the best in the league. You could tell right from the start he was locked in pretty good. It was a heck of a game by him."

I also have to mention that it was another shootout win. t's always better to win in regulation but it's nice that this team has been able to win these games this season. Miller seems to be back to himself in the shootout and Kotalik is almost automatic.

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This is hardly the first time

Miller has “stolen” a game. He’s been outstanding for most of his short career with Buffalo, and is the backbone of this team and Sabres fortunes. Some people have been slow to recognize that, especially when he’s given up some soft goals. How quickly they forget all the fabulous game-saving saves he’s made since he put on a Sabres jersey. I hope he has a long and successful career here in Buffalo.

He’s definitely one of the young stars, a marquee (sp?) player who helps sell the NHL.

by ccthemovieman on Jan 10, 2009 10:42 AM EST reply actions

Partly right

Ryan Miller beat out Martin Biron for the starting job a couple of years ago because of his outstanding play. Everyone, myself included thought he would be a great Goalie. Unfortunately that hasn’t really been the case, especially over the last season and a half. I can’t remember too many games when you could say that Miller stole a game. If you want to be a good team in the NHL you need your Goalie to steal a game or two. I hope Miller becomes the Goalie I once thought he could be and last night was that Goalie.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Jan 10, 2009 3:30 PM EST up reply actions

Disagree

Miller “stole” a number of games two years ago when the Sabres had a fine season. He was especially tough in shootouts, being the difference in a number of wins on those games alone. He still is, as he demonstrated last night. You are vastly underrating him.

The Sabres were right on this one (re: long-term contract – and with Vanek, too.) I wish we had a couple more great players.

by ccthemovieman on Jan 10, 2009 8:23 PM EST up reply actions