Last Wednesday’s debacle against Philadelphia was a multilevel failure that started with the goaltender and went right down to the last forward. It also served as a catalyst for many unhappy, goaltending illiterate – likely hockey illiterate too – to voice their displeasure with the play of Ryan Miller.
I’m here to win. If I’m discouraged, if I’m pissed off, that’s just how it is. I want to win. I don’t want to be out there getting scored on. I don’t want to be pulled out of a game. I want to, you know, I want to [expletive] win the game.”
It is true, Miller had gone on a tough run since his season opening blitz. After racing to the top of the NHL goaltending statistics through his first five outings, Miller has come back to the pack with an 0-4 run that has seen him post a goal against above three and a save percentage below .900 on the run. His season numbers are still quite respectable (2.48 and .922) and he showcased elite talent in each of his four wins to open the season. 
It might be due to Buffalo’s lack of familiarity with a true super star, it also has a lot to do with familiarity by contempt. Sabres fans see Miller anywhere from 65-75 nights a season and are treated to some truly remarkable goaltending. They also see him at his worst, so there is a wide body of work to reference. I have said it before, if the same fans were to watch Carey Price, Roberto Luongo, Jonathon Quick or any other top netminder, they would get the same headaches.
In addition, many feel that Miller has become short-tempered and rude with the media. This may be true in some regards, but I also offer a barometer, of sorts. Imagine you had people come ask you the same questions about your job on a daily basis, sometimes even questioning the quality in which you do your work. Now imagine only a handful of people can really grasp the way in which you do your job, while the vast majority of society generalized your tasks. You would probably get steamed at times too.
I understand that dealing with the media is part of the job description. I’m just saying, understand where he is coming from.
Today Miller had a presser to remember. He dropped numerous bombs throughout the session, including the one above. Just to restate the obvious, “I don’t want to be pulled out of a game. I want to, you know, I want to [expletive] win the game.”
I love that quote. He wasn’t rude during his time speaking. He made one comment saying it sucks that the media puts out that he is struggling, but he followed it up with fair reasoning.
“I don’t think I’m that far off. That kind of sucks for you guys to put out there. I know where I’m at and my game is not that far off. It is a question of doing the little things and getting back to what makes me a successful goaltender.”
None of that was off-putting to me. Again, I understand where he is coming from a bit. Still, he aknowledged that he isn’t at the top of his game, per say, and defended himself in regards to the questions surrounding his play.
It seems fairly obvious that Miller will play tonight. While Lindy Ruff didn’t tip his hat, he made a few remarks about wanting to keep both goalies fresh. In this case it was in regards to Enroth playing back-to-back. That tells me he plans on bouncing back with Miller. Based on his attitude and the time off he has had, I expect Miller to come out with a solid outing for his club.
Ruff also aknowledged that his “goaltending schedule” is set for the week – my guess is Miller tonight and Friday with Enroth going Saturday in Boston. In addition he affirmed my beliefs about how he originally set the goaltenders’ workload, and how it stands now. Ruff admitted to changing the schedule once in Europe, once in Florida and once last week. Obviously he did plan on getting Enroth in twice earlier this year, but Miller’s play warranted an additional start. Just as Enroth’s play on Wednesday and Friday warranted another start on Saturday.
It is still quite early in the season. Buffalo has played only 13 games and the goaltending has been sound in all but one, maybe two, outings. There are plenty of miles left to go and there will be a few more times this year where either Miller or Enroth will be the hot hand, surely there will be more debate when that day comes around.
s/t to John Vogl and The Buffalo News for the link and audio from today.
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