Miller

by billsfan26 on Jun 20, 2011 12:47 PM EDT

I think one of the biggest problems with Miller is that he gets played way too much. Yes, I know that starting goalies are supposed to start all the time and play pretty much every game with a few games off. However, every year this dude carries his defense because they are out of position and are trying not to get beat which ends up with Miller facing odd-man rushes very often. Granted, Miller lets in soft goals too often, but I can let those go sometimes because it happens. But in my opinion I think that most of the blame for Miller's play recently has been our defense. So many times this past season I'd be screaming at the television for the defense to stay in front of the net or to cover their sniper in the slot. Countless times during the season our defense would pinch on the puck carrier at their blue line and get burnt because one, the other defenseman was not providing backside support and second, our wingers back-check like it's a suggestion.

Another point to Ryan Miller playing too much, he's weighed in on ESPN at 175, I've heard reports that he loses about 10 to 20 pounds during the season, you'd think that would take a toll on him? I sure do. I think the best thing for Miller would be a backup that he and the Sabres could rely on to win games. In doing this, there would be much less pressure strapped to the back of Miller and would allow him to take healthy days off, instead of riding him until he gets hurt like most years.

Overall, I think after the All-Star break the Sabres were the best team in hockey when they forechecked like we saw in many of the second half games, we smothered their defenseman in their zone and caused many turnovers. I think this and steady consistent defense is our key to being successful, I've never seen a Sabres team forecheck with the tenacity we had at the end of the season, but at some points that motivation and forechecking drive was lost. I think the Sabres need to be more physical and aggressive (body checking) next season

This is a fanpost written by a member of the community, it doesn't necessarily express the views or opinions of Die by the Blade

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Uh, hellooooooooooooooo....

We have Jhonas Enroth.

by powerslave on Jun 20, 2011 12:52 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I think the best thing for Miller would be a backup that he and the Sabres could rely on to win games. In doing this, there would be much less pressure strapped to the back of Miller and would allow him to take healthy days off, instead of riding him until he gets hurt like most years.

Lalime isn’t playing for the Sabres next year, and Enroth is an incredibly promising youngster that could probably be a starter in places like Colorado and Phoenix. I fail to see the problem.

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by UZ on Jun 20, 2011 10:12 PM EDT reply actions

Miller

I’m new to the site, and don’t reside anywhere near Buffalo, but because Kansas City won’t get a freaking hockey team here, I was forced to adopt another team. And, the Sabres it is! I am still learning the roster and the Sabres, but I can tell you that Ryan Miller was extremely inspiring to all of us who watched the Olympics a while back! I have heard nothing but great things about Enroth, and think he’s the goalie of the future. Am I wrong?

by SabresFanInKC on Jun 21, 2011 2:33 AM EDT reply actions

No, you’re very right, Enroth will provide a much-needed talent boost over former backup Patrick Lalime. The question is whether Ruff will take advantage of that or not. Historically, Ruff is a coach who likes to ride his starting goaltender, especially if he’s going well. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Enroth get something like 12-15 games this year, rather than the 20 or so most fans would want.

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by Andy Boron on Jun 21, 2011 7:28 AM EDT up reply actions

Cool, welcome aboard! Just curious what made you pick the Sabres over say the Blues, which I would assume is the closest team to you. Was it Miller’s performance in the Olympics that you mentioned?

by Frank Reich Revolution on Jun 21, 2011 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Miller

St. Louis and Kansas City have a pretty fierce rivalry between the Royals and Cardinals, Chiefs and Rams, and many high school sports. We don’t like eachother a whole lot. And, too many of my buddies are Blackhawks fans. Girlfriend is from NYC, and I figured I’d hop on board with her. Plus I think Buffalo is similar to Kansas City in that it’s thought of as a blue collar, hard working city. GO SABRES!

by SabresFanInKC on Jun 21, 2011 6:35 PM EDT reply actions

Miler’s biggest problem over the last several years is that he hasn’t had a capable backup. Lindy has overused him because of that and someone here posted statistics that showed that his abilities dropped dramatically the longer he was played in consecutive games. After three straight games he was fine. After seven he was worse than a replacement level goaltender.

Having a capable backup is, for the first time since Biron left, no longer an issue for the Sabres. Enroth has decisively demonstrated that he is a goaltender that the team has confidence in and is one that can perform at a high level of ability. This will allow Ruff to cut Miller’s workload so that he can be more consistently effective, as his statistics show when he is better rested. The combination of Miller and Enroth is stronger than Miller and Lalime (which was effectively Miller alone).

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by Calvert on Jun 23, 2011 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

I’d liken Miller and Enroth to a tandem like Luongo and Schneider, or Thomas and Rask. A proven, veteran rockstar, and a young, solid Plan B. I love it.

by lassathrax on Jun 23, 2011 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Kind of off-topic

but with Bryzgalov’s new 9 year/$51M deal (terms not yet released, but you can bet it’s front loaded), Miller’s $6.25M cap hit through 2015 looks pretty damn good (not that I didn’t like it before).

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by Ogre39666 on Jun 23, 2011 7:13 PM EDT reply actions