The potential was always there. Big things were always on the horizon and it was always thought that special things would happen.
Even when he was a fifth round draft pick (138th overall) in 1999, Ryan Miller was still pegged as a potential starter and perhaps more. The Sabres obviously saw that the dominating Michigan State goaltender had "it". And they couldn't have been more right.
Taking over the reigns full-time in 2005/06, Miller has more than earned his keep. Since that year, he has posted 106 wins, a 2.65 Goals Against Average and .902 save percentage, leading the Sabres to back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 2005/06 and 2006/07.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Through all that, though, Miller was considered just outside the elite goaltending group consisting of Martin Brodeur, Evgeni Nabokov, Mikka Kiprusoff, etc. This, even as the Sabres handed him a five year, $31.25 million extension this past summer.
Miller has responded well. Leading the suprising Sabres (8-3-3), Miller has posted a 7-2 record with a pair of shutouts. He is in the top five in the league in save percentage and goals-against as well.
Watching Miller, you can really see a difference in his game. He is confident and cool. He handles deflections better than most goaltenders in the league, becoming a master and putting himself in position to make every stop; whether he sees it or not.
Most importantly, the one thing Miller was lacking was a strong enough presence to steal a few games. He has done that a few times this season already and I wouldn't be surprised to see him do it several more times.
If he keeps up at the pace he and the Sabres are going, don't be surprised to see Miller's name on the list of Vezina Trophy finalists.
Buffalo fans are glad to see that "Miller Time" has finally arrived in full force.
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about 1 month ago
So Ryan Miller wasn't a top goalie before the his first 9 games of this season?
He's been a Top 10 goalie in the NHL for a couple years now, maybe even top 5.
from about 1 month ago
Top 10, MAYBE. He took the step into the elite (top 5-6) this season. Do you watch hockey, Andrew, or do you just like to challenge me?
from about 1 month ago
Haha, I'd wager to say I watch more hockey than you.
He was Top 10 last season.
Goaltenders I'd rather have than Ryan Miller [when healthy, obviously/not in any particular order]:
1. Evgeni Nabokov
2. Roberto Luongo
3. Marty Turco
4. Martin Brodeur
5. J.S. Giguere
6. Henrik Lundqvist
7. Chris Osgood
8. Carey Price
I'm not trying to challenge you whatsoever, but Ryan Miller has been very good for a couple years. Buffalo hasn't been the same since Briere and Drury left. Vanek, Derek Roy, Tim Connolly, Afinogenov and co. can't put up numbers like they could before those two left obviously.
Ryan Miller is great, but the reason you see him make so many outstanding and ridiculous saves is because he tends to be out of position very often. Goalies that are more fundamentally sound Luongo, Brodeur, Lundqvist don't have to make those saves anywhere near as often because they are in position more. This is somewhat of a moot point, but what I'm trying to get across is that Ryan Miller would have been in my Top 10 NHL goalies for a couple years now.
about 1 month ago
Are you watching the same Ryan Miller I am? Miller's been giving fat rebounds at least since the Bruins game. The Penguins made a great play on their second goal last night but Miller compounded the error by playing Crosby too far out of the night so he couldn't react and get to the other side when Crosby made the cross-ice pass. Don't get me wrong - he's a good goalie, and occasionally plays great, but he cant be counted on to steal a game and is too inconsistent to truly be called elite.
from about 1 month ago
Roy,
Lo and behold, as soon as I write this piece, the wheels start falling off for the Sabres. So maybe I jumped the gun on Miller.
Andrew,
You may or may not watch more than me and I'm not sure that's a compliment. Good for you if you are able to watch more; I have a full-time job, school, a girlfriend and a life to lead so outside of Sabres games, I don't really care/have the time to watch.
That being said, you placing Osgood and Price on your list is a bit of a laugh. Price is too young and too unproven to be called a top ten goaltender yet and Chris Osgood is the reason the Wings won't repeat. Also--No Mikka Kiprusoff???
I felt that Miller, before the recent slump, had finally stepped into the elite 5-6 (Brodeur, Lundqvist, Luongo, Nabakov, Kiprusoff & (at times) Turco).
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