Anaheim Ducks: Time to play the invisible man, Ryan Miller
By Ed Stein
It’s a big mistake to keep Miller on the sidelines for so long. Not for one reason, but for several.
After consulting the Anaheim Ducks media guide, I found proof that there is a body assigned to jersey number 30. It belongs to Ryan Miller. Fans might be a little hazy on him because he hasn’t played since March 9, at Dallas.
He’s Ryan “Freaking” Miller
Maybe a refresher on his resume is needed. Ryan Miller is one of the best ever between the pipes. He has 369 career wins which rank ninth in NHL history. That total is only eight wins behind John Vanbiesbrouck for the most all-time among USA born goalies. Miller’s 42 career shutouts are tied for 35th all-time, but the total is also 13th in that category among goalies born after World War II. Here are a few other fun facts about Miller.
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- Buffalo Sabres all-time wins leader (284).
- Vezina Trophy winner in 2009-10.
- Won Silver Medal at 2010 Olympics and was named tournament MVP.
Success with the Anaheim Ducks
Miller was signed in the offseason to backup Anaheim Ducks number one John Gibson. So far this season he is 8-6-6 with a 2.49 goals against average, .926 save percentage (sixth in the NHL), and three shutouts. More recently he’s been money in the third period, stopping 66 of the last 70 shots. Clearly, Miller is not Jonathan Bernier, Reto Berra, Anton Khudobin or any of the other reserves the Ducks have had since Frederik Andersen was traded to Toronto. The numbers show he is far better.
Two is Better than One
A situation that can’t happen may be brewing. Its been three weeks since Miller has seen game action. After tonight, the Anaheim Ducks have four games left. The Ducks can’t risk going into the playoffs with a backup goalie who hasn’t stopped a live puck in over a month.
Next: Q&A with Ducks PA Announcer Phil Hulett
John Gibson hasn’t exactly been durable throughout his career. What happens if he gets hurt in the post-season? Bringing in an ice cold Ryan Miller would be the worst possible situation. Not only should Miller get a start in the next four games, he should also get one in the second or third game of round one.