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NHL: Sabres

Olympian Miller one of NHL’s elite netminders
By Gaby Martinez
Hockeytalk.biz

JANUARY 31, 2010 -- The Buffalo Sabres are atop the Northeast Division and third in the Eastern Conference as a result of superb play by Ryan Miller.

Ryan Miller

Miller was developed by the Sabres, drafted in the fifth round (138th overall) by the Sabres in 1999. The 29-year-old played three seasons with the AHL Rochester Americans, (Buffalo’s former affiliate) before coming to play full-time with the Sabres.

Along with standout goalies Martin Biron, Bob Suave, Tom Barrasso, and Don Edwards, Miller is one of the several excellent goaltenders drafted and developed by the club who have gone on to NHL success (future Hall of Famer Dominik Hasek was traded to Buffalo after spending his early years as a backup in Chicago).

His play has also been recognized by Team USA, his name announced at the Winter Classic on January 1st.

Miller has carried the club this season backstopping them to a total of 28 wins. He has a mere 2.06 goals-against average, good for second in the league and an NHL-topping .934 save-percentage. His five shutouts place him third.

He has provided the Sabres with solid goaltending because the team has not yet played to their fullest potential. The Sabres have begun many of their games slowly and have relied heavily on Miller to bail them out of several games.

“Any time you get points in this league, you’re happy, but we’re not satisfied,” said Miller to nhl.com. “I think we have to be a lot better to truly call ourselves a team that wants to contend.”

CLOSE GAMES MILLER’S CALLING

Miller is certainly helping the Sabres in finding ways to win. So far this season, Miller has a total of six one-goal victories this season. He has come up with several late game-saving stops to ensure the win in those games. Miller has also helped earn Buffalo the extra point with 6 extra session wins (3 OT wins and 3 SO wins).

Buffalo’s most recent win came on January 27th against New Jersey.

“Miller bailed them (Sabres) out of a few situations,” New Jersey Devil and fellow US Olympian Jamie Langenbrunner said of Miller’s ability to keep the team alive during games.

On offense, Thomas Vanek has a mere 25 points this season which is definitely not enough for a player who is signed through until the 2013-2014 season earning 50 million dollars for that span.

With his play this season, Miller is surely a Vezina candidate and might even be considered for MVP honors. In fact, THN fans voted that Ryan Miller would be the MVP for the first half of the season.

The East Lansing, Michigan native was taken by the Sabres in the 1999 draft. He established himself with the Michigan State Spartans and was awarded the Hobey Baker Memorial Award in the 2000-01 season.

He played three seasons as a Spartan, and later moved up to Buffalo’s affiliate, the Rochester Americans. Miller then played three seasons with the AHL Americans. He was recalled in the 2005-06 season and began his first complete NHL season as a backup to Dominik Hasek.

Since assuming the number one spot, Miller has recorded at least 30 wins with his best season coming in the 2006-07 season with 40 wins. During the 2007 playoffs, Miller led the Sabres all the way to the Eastern Conference finals. The Sabres hope return to the playoffs after two non-playoff seasons. If Miller continues his current pace, he could post another 40-win season.

OLYMPIAN

At Vancouver this February, Miller will join Boston Bruin Tim Thomas and Los Angeles King Jonathon Quick in the nets. With his impressive stats and play, Miller is making a run for the starting position.

“Right now, you can argue that Ryan Miller has been the best goaltender in the National Hockey League this season ... You can argue as well that Tim Thomas is playing just about as well as anybody,” Team USA GM Brian Burke told AOL Sports Friday January 1st.

Miller was very happy to be recognized and looks forward to playing for his country. He has been dreaming about representing Team USA since his days as a Spartan when prior to 1998 only collegiate and amateur players could play for the USA.

“It was a big goal of mine when it was for amateurs,” Miller told nhl.com. “With all the college players playing in the Olympics, it definitely registers and was something I wanted to do.”

This will be Miller’s first Olympic appearance and the first time he has represented the USA since the 2003 World Championship. Miller was not selected as an Olympian in 2006 as a result of having been injured for a good portion of the season prior to the selection date. Miller is expected to be the starting goaltender in the Olympics for Team USA.

Although Miller can’t wait for the Olympics, he remains focused on the Sabres’ upcoming games.

“I’m excited but I’ve got more games of NHL hockey to go,” Miller told The Buffalo News. “There’s a lot to be done before the Olympics and I’ll take a few moments to enjoy it because it’s a great honor. I’m really excited to put on the colors and represent the United States.”

Both the Sabres and Team USA hope that Ryan Miller continues his high caliber of play. The Sabres hope to widen the gap between them and Boston in the Northeast division and eventually rise to first in the Eastern Conference. Team USA hopes Miller will be the deciding factor in capturing a medal.

With Miller’s stellar play and amazing stats, he will certainly be in Vezina and potentially, Hart trophy contention. America’s gold medal hopes will rely heavily on Miller’s success in the tournament.