Anaheim Ducks: Ryan Miller is Approaching a Big Milestone

Last night’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning was a big victory for the Anaheim Ducks. However, it was an even more victorious win for goaltender Ryan Miller.

The Anaheim Ducks started the Florida portion of their five-game road trip off on the right foot (or skate, if you want to get technical.) After a devastating 5-2 loss against Nashville two nights prior, there was a lot of skepticism as to whether or not the Ducks could hold their own against the equally intimidating Tampa Bay Lightning.

The skepticism intensified tenfold when it was announced that the Anaheim Ducks would be resting John Gibson. This meant, of course, that Ryan Miller would be starting in net. The worry wasn’t about Miller so much as it was about the team that would be playing in front of him.

It was a pleasing surprise when the final second ticked off the clock and the Anaheim Ducks won the game 3-1. Ryan Miller made several impressive saves throughout the night, facing 35 shots on goal and only allowing one to escape him. There was even a point in the game where Brayden Point plowed right into him, knocking the net right off its Marsh Pegs, and taking Ryan Miller with him. Yet, Ryan Miller stood his ground for the Anaheim Ducks.

The Anaheim Ducks have plenty to celebrate from their win over Tampa Bay. Nevertheless, no one deserves to celebrate more than the goaltender who led them to victory. Of course, a win is great, but Ryan Miller walked away with much more than a win.

A Milestone Night with Another in Sight

The number of NHL goaltenders that play past the age of 35 has decreased significantly over the past two decades. Goaltenders who surpass the age of 35 tend to see their productivity come to a dramatic decline. The constant evolution of hockey puts a strain on the body of a goaltender, and understandably so.

Of course, there are acceptions to this rule and Ryan Miller is one of them. Recently, he celebrated his 38th birthday. This makes him the second oldest NHL goaltender currently active in the league; Roberto Luongo of the Florida Panthers is the oldest.

Over the past 16 seasons, Miller has earned himself a pretty impressive resume. Of the 744 games he has played in, he has won 372. This includes 43 career shutouts. Although he has yet to win a Stanley Cup, during the 2009-10 season he won the second most coveted trophy among goaltenders, the Vezina.

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The dedication he has shown the NHL over the years is phenomenal. He has played approximately 722 hours of hockey, and this does not even include practice, pre-season, training camps, or off-season training.

All of his hard work has led him to this point. During the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Ryan Miller took possession of 17th place on the list of all-time wins for NHL goaltenders. This is an amazing milestone, and something he should be extremely proud of. What made it even more special was the fact that his mother was there to see him do it.

With one milestone he can put on his resume, there is one more that is in his sights. He is just two games away from passing John Vanbiesbrouck for the all-time wins among U.S. born goaltenders. When he broke into the league in 2002, I doubt Ryan Miller thought all of his hard work and dedication would bring him here.

Miller has put a lot of miles on his skates, and whenever he decides to hang them up, he can truly say that he is one of the best American goaltenders in NHL history. The 2018-19 season will be a very special one for RM30, and it will be an absolute privilege to witness him reach this milestone wearing an Anaheim Ducks sweater.

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