I’m a little puzzled at how some fans and media members aren’t making a bigger deal about Ryan Miller’s performance this year. Maybe people aren’t making such a big deal about it because Miller is well liked by the press and by the fans. It’s kind of like Lindy Ruff in a way. God forbid anyone call out the coach because he’s a quote machine and a hero to some in Buffalo. As for Miller, sometimes, when a franchise gets a star, the city (Including press and fans) can either be extremely hard on him for not achieving expectations or they can treat him with kid’s gloves because they really want the guy to succeed. In a city like Buffalo, which for the most part, is a city that wants its players to love the region more so than love the team, maybe, getting on Miller would rock the boat on his opinion of the city. “Hey, he’s a star! Lets be happy that he choose to stay here instead of going to Detroit.”
By far, he’s had the biggest drop of any Sabres player from last year. For the season, Miller has a 19-14-4 record and has GAA of 2.69, which ranks 27th in the NHL. Miller, has had 18 games this year where he’s given 3 goals or more, and by comparison to last year, the number was at 24.
So, what’s wrong with Miller? I know some may believe that it has to do with the defense and that the loss of Hank/Toni are a big part of it, but I don’t buy that. How many games last year did Miller steal? Way too many. Sure, there were some games where he let in just one goal on 22 weak ass shots, but for the most part, he was our backbone. Don’t tell me that Tyler Myers was the team MVP and he was the reason Miller played so well. Miller was in the zone last year.
So, if it’s not defense, what is it? Is it personal? A year ago at this time, Miller was a known player in the NHL, but he wasn’t close to being a top 10 player in terms of marketing and what not. Then, he had the Olympics, and Miller’s performance made him into a star. From being on Ryan Seacrest’s show to having his relationship status being talked about, Miller became the Sabres biggest hockey star since Hasek. However, after the Olympics, Miller’s play tailed off a bit. Sure, he was still putting up numbers, but he wasn’t nearly as hot as he was prior. In Miller’s last 23 games (Including the playoffs) after the Olympic break, the goalie allowed 3 goals or more in 11 of those contests.
As for this season, maybe, with all the added hype of being the best goaltender in the world, Miller may be cracking under the pressure. I mean, after Friday’s embarrassing loss to the Islanders, Miller ended an interview session early because a MSG cameraman talked over one of his quotes. Sure, it’s a dumb move by a cameraman, but does it really merit the end of an interview session with reporters? I don’t think so.
You always hear stories at how Miller puts so much pressure on himself to play at his absolute best. I think he understands the importance of not just being a great goalie, but being a face of the NHL. Miller doesn’t strike me as someone who wants to be on Seacrest’s radio show, but understands that it would be beneficial for the NHL to have him be seen/heard off the ice. If you throw in the hockey part of being the key to the Sabres success, maybe, he’s growing fatigue from having to be “the man” on and off the ice. It can get tiring after awhile.”Ryan, we want you do a NHL Network promo. Ryan, want to be in a Caddy Shack spoof? Ryan, do more charity events. Ryan, plan an engagement party for your fiance.” That’s a lot of pressure to put on someone.
From being the man on and off the ice, it may be all catching up to Miller, or maybe, Miller isn’t as good as we all thought he was. Goaltending is one of those positions that you can get hot at any given time and ride his play. Hell, Brian Boucher had a 5 game shutout streak, which is a modern day record. Jean-Sebastien Giguere had the greatest Stanley Cup playoff run ever by a goalie, but never lived up to that playoff performance after the fact.
I’m not trying to say Miller is going down hill, but, was last year his lightning in a bottle type of season? Hey, Tom Brady can’t pass for 50 touchdowns every year. Maybe, Miller is just the type of player we saw after the lockout; a good goalie, but not exactly a guy who is going to carry your team on a nightly basis. Everyone knows that Miller was probably the 4th or 5th most important player for the Sabres from 05-07. Hell, don’t we all remember the streak Marty Biron put on in December of 2005? It really didn’t matter who the goalie for those teams were, because they were fricken loaded with offensive players. Now, if it’s not the team around him, maybe he hasn’t recovered from his early season injuries? Maybe, he’s fricken tired of starting every single game because Lindy doesn’t trust his backup goalies (BTW, give the dude a day off because we ain’t making the playoffs, so why have him breakdown). Maybe it’s the injury bug that has hit the team.
They are all legit reasons, but I think this is the bottom line: Maybe we just anointed Miller as being the best goalie in the world a little too early, because we knew that the road to winning playoff games and contending, went through #30. Better yet, maybe we really wanted to believe in the Sabres and he was the key to that. Miller has had one great season thus far in the NHL. He’s not a spring chicken anymore (Turns 31 in July). To me, if the Sabres continue to go down the road of not giving their goalie any help, they aren’t going to contend for the division title anytime soon. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I don’t think Miller is as good as we all thought he was.
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