Kukla's Korner

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Resting Miller Would Be Senseless

Sometimes it’s as simple as your best players being your best players.

The Sabres earned a big 4-2 win in Boston last night, and regardless of what the 3-stars voters had to say, this game was about Ryan Miller (38 saves) and Thomas Vanek (game-winning goal, assist) coming through when it mattered most.

On the subject of Miller, there have been rumblings in the local media that he should get a game off before the All-Star break.  The talk after last night’s game was about whether or not Patrick Lalime or Jhonas Enroth should start the following night against the New York Islanders.

This is the same media that reminds us continuously that the Sabres as an organization don’t display enough desperation.  Sitting a healthy Miller tonight, when the alternatives are a guy who hasn’t won a single game since Easter and a rookie struggling to be a .500 goalie in the AHL, wouldn’t exactly exemplify a sense of urgency.

The Sabres have three games over the next fourteen days, and Miller should play all of them.  He isn’t showing signs of fatigue - his sparkling 18-save third period last night is Exhibit A - and he’ll soon be getting an extended break.  Sitting him tonight would make no sense.

The Islanders will also be in the second night of a back-to-back.  How embarrassing will it be for the Sabres if a team going nowhere starts Rick DiPietro for a second straight night while Miller sits on the Buffalo bench in a game where the Sabres have a chance to get back into the playoff conversation?

Lindy Ruff has had no faith in his backup goaltending, and for good reason.  There are six points against losing teams to be had between now and the break.  Now is not the time for a revelation.

Twitter: @DaveDavisHockey

Filed in: NHL Teams, Buffalo Sabres | KK Hockey | Permalink
 Tags: Boston+Bruins, Buffalo+Sabres, New+York+Islanders, Ryan+Miller, Thomas+Vanek,

Comments

Be the first to comment.

Add a Comment

Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.

Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.

Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.

Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.
Feed

Most Recent Blog Posts

About KK Hockey

Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL. 

From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.

Email Paul anytime at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

image
image




Make extra cash while playing online poker. Rakeback is free and comes with rake races.

 

high yield savings account



Go Ad Free On KK

Kukla’s Korner is always a free service for readers, but it costs some money to maintain. If you’re ever in a position to donate a few dollars to help out, we’d be very appreciative.