A composed and relaxed Ryan Miller just addressed the media after practice, before heading out to catch the charter to Montreal.
Dressed in his charcoal grey suit with pink shirt, Miller stood tall and answered questions openly and honestly.
How will he approach this next week of games?
"Just prepare to play and go off of what Lindy has set up. I'm just letting Lindy handle all of that. You know, we had talked, and talked about woirking in some breaks. I you said, its busy and for me its seeking out some rest and finding time to get goalie practice in and getting in some rest", Miller said.
The reigning Vezina has started 31 staright games for his club and it would stand to reason that he is in need of a break. The nine days off the ice at the All Star break gave him physical rest, however, did it give him the mental cleansing necessary to compete on an game-very-other night in the dog days of hockey?
"Yeah, I mean there is a wear and tear to that (starting 31 staright games). But what I was talking about was the schedule moving forward is having to work in breaks. The last stretch of games its been more of an anomaly, its more of uh.. the team, and a Lindy's feel than anything. I wasn't.. quite what we set out to do. I think when I started the year with injuries it kinda threw a wrench into that, and Lindy wanted to get me rolling but it kinda got sort of a little bit long, so , we're going to have to make a plan to make sure that mentally and physically I'm where I need to be".
Miller is in line for a needed rest. He's been a warrior for his team since mid December. His 12-4-2 record is the reason why the team is better positioned to make the Playoffs today than it was in December.
Miller assessed his play in that stretch as follows:
"It kinda snuck up. Obviously after last night, i feel like... not playing at the level as expected after last season (his Vezina winning season) i feel like I'm contributing and playing decent. i obviously want to improve and now that's the name of the game to try to improve everyday, and you try to win everyday. I'm not going to be perfect. I'm certainly judged at a higher standard. Ya know, you're going to go through stretches, you're going to have games where you just don't win, and you're going to have games where you can't do anything right, but, you still win. I'm just going to shake it off and be a veteran player. It was a frustrating loss last night, but, looking back on the stretch of game, we've become a better team to get ourselves in a positive situation, but we can't let last night turn into a negative".
Is Miller okay with being judged at a "higher standard"?
"Its part of the gig. I'm not going to be perfect every time. I'm not going to handle it perfectly. I'm not a machine. Ya know? Thats how it goes. But, I'm going to come in to do my job. I'm always gonna try, and I'm always gonna be the guy, as far as winning the game. Ya know? It is what it is. its a tough situation if you let it become too much, but for me, I know what I have to do and I have a room full of guys who will help me do it. for me its just right now, find points in the schedule to get rest, get goalie practice, when I'm in there (the net) conserve energy and try and win games".
Lindy Ruff chatted up Patty Lalime on the ice towards the end of practice.
"We were talking about the weather in Clarence", Lindy deadpanned after the skate.
Lalime likely will get the start in Montreal. Miller will likely play at home vs. Tronna on Wednesday night.
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Lindy also mentioned that he was not particularly thrilled with the play of Pat Kaleta in his return game from the busted hand.
Look for Paul Byron to get more playing time.
"Paul has played well for us. Even when his offense tapered off, he played good defensively".
Lindy said that he was going to discuss a Byron stay in Buffalo with his coaches this afternoon.
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