But the trap doesn’t? lol The worst part about it is Tampa is a good fore checking team when their homo coach allows them to.
The trap is boring, but at least there is action. I’d much rather the trap than someone just standing holding the puck. I can do that in my driveway. It has no place in hockey.
There was nothing wrong with what Tampa did, plus even with the trap they’re still not a great defensive team anyhow. If its such a fool proof defensive strategy, then why doesn’t everyone in the league use it? The trap instantly breaks down if hit the red line with speed then dump and chase because you can outnumber the lone defenseman back, lots of other teams have already figured this out. Philly and Laviolette looked like spoiled babies out there throwing a temper tantrum because Tampa wouldn’t let them have their way.
lol… So about Miller. I know not all of these goals are his fault. 100% I know that. But, a lot of the goals that are happening are shots that hit him in the pads, which he kicks out… guys on the other team get the puck and now setup or take a second shot and cause screens infront of the net. Notice how Enroth smoothered the puck down after a shot on net. All his shots get angled to the ground when making a save to cover it up.
As for you guys going back and forth about ways to play the game. Honest… It doesnt matter what they do, If what ever they attempt to do works, well then keep doing it. Does matter if its boring, doesnt matter if it slows the game down… You play the game at the pace you want, and you try to take the other team off there game and put them in a situation they are not comfortable with. Its hockey, its about strategy… and if it works continue doing it.
WORST idea ever. My coach decided to try this method my senior year of college and it sucked! We had one of our worst seasons because none of the goalies could develop a rhythm. Not to mention there is enough pressure playing that position already. The last thing a goalie needs in the back of his mind is the fact that he will be on the bench the next game if his team doesn’t win. It’s a team sport just like any other where individual efforts can be enough at times to steal games. But putting all of this burden on a goalie’s shoulders will NOT lead them to play better.
I’ll agree Miller looks to be in a bit of a funk. The only way to get out of it is to play it out of his system and get back into a rhythm. Given that there’s 3 games in 4 days coming up, it’s probably expected that Enroth sees one of those, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Miller in all 3.
Sorry, I dont mean every single game switch up. What I was getting at is that Miller is really shitting the bed with the amount of rebounds, weak goals…etc. He needs to learn, we are not here to watch him keep making mistakes and there is someone eager to take his position and give it there all. If Enroth keeps doing good, show the kid you have hope in him doing well and keep him going. Yes he is a back up, but shit if the kid is on, why put someone back in net that is not.
I think the things that make me the most mad about Miller. The amount of rebounds he gives out (almost every shot, unless it goes in his glove or gets caught under him without him knowing) or that he goes down every single shot that is taken. He needs to learn how to trap the puck and slow the game down rather than kick it out to the point and continue giving chances.
I think this is where he’s really been struggling this year. He’s usually very good with his rebound control, bur for some reason he’s really fighting the puck this year. The fact that the d and forwards are leaving guys wide open on the off shot side certainly isn’t helping, and is just compounding the problem.
He’s 6’ 2" and a little taller with skates on, he should be going down on nearly every shot. I’ll agree that he has struggled with some rebound control thus far, and has been getting beat up high occasionally. But his rebound control would be much worse if he was staying up on shots, that’s why there aren’t any true standup goaltenders in the NHL anymore. He hasn’t been tracking the puck as well, which is probably the main reason you’ll see him get beat up high. Besides that though, he probably has the best glove hand in the NHL.
And I understand what you’re saying about riding out Enroth while he’s playing well. The fact of the matter remains that you have to put your trust in your #1 goaltender and Miller deserves this second chance opportunity to regain everyone’s confidence. It’s too early in the season to let Enroth run with the show.
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Agreed.
Exactly that. He is struggling. Yes you are 100% right. Wingers are not staying on the points to be there when the puck gets out to them… shots are coming in with screens on Miller. Same thing with guys cutting to the net or the odd man rushes. they need to pick up the trailers, and the guys just lingering around. Its 5 on 5 hockey, no reason anyone should be left open. Pick a guy up and stay on them. If you see the goalie is struggling right now, give him some support and take away chances hes giving the other team.
This^
Yep, it’s just that miller has been so good historically, that they could get away with the defensive lapses. Just think of how many highlight real saves Miller has made through out his career, diving across the crease to block a shot from someone on the off side.
I fully expect them(both miller and the team as a whole) to turn it around.
I think aside from giving up rebounds, Miller seems to be over committing to skaters, leaving him out of position a lot. For the people saying they should put Enroth in or even trade Miller…you’re nuts. 220+ Wins, Vezina trophy, MVP and silver Olympic medal, Hobey Baker Award Winner All-Star appearances > 12 wins…sorry. He’s not been on top of his game and has given up some regrettable goals…happens to the best of them.
Your point? Doesnt matter how he use to do. Its how hes playing right now. And its not nuts to say play Enroth, hes got one of the best records for a goalie of his status not playing that many games. You have to start somewhere, and hes starting off really good.
As for miller. yes, he has had his saves… but he is to inconsistant, He can make a hard stop, but lets weak goals in. He has a silver because he let weak goals in to lose out on the gold. lol Sorry, but hes over rated. And talking to all ex Sabres about his performance… i’m going to take an ex nhl players thoughts over someone on the internet. Clearly they knew how to play the game, since they did it for several years.
I have nothing against Enroth, he’s a solid goalie, makes great saves, and yeah he is playing well. But you don’t kick Miller to the curb because Enroth wins a few games. I agree that Miller is probably overrated especially in the media, but that doesn’t make him a bad goaltender. Again I’d refer to him as inconsistent. He can make the great saves, He can pitch a shutout, he can see and read the puck well, it just doesn’t happen 100% of the time. My point is, you don’t go with something new and shiny because it’s new and shiny. And I must have missed an ex nhl player in this thread…my bad.
How did we come across Miller in the first place? New and Shinny. So yes, you do try those things out. You wont know till you try something new. And I’m not saying kick Miller to the curb. But if you are winning, and one of those things being a goalie is the reason you are winning… why change it back to what it was right away. Give the kid a chance.
I didnt say Miller sucked. Hes a professional goalie. Clearly he got there because hes good. He just is not on his game this season so far. Problem I see, Most of his amazing saves that the media talks about, are shot straight at his chest when he does his usual fall to the ground and make a save. Keep tabs next game you watch. Every shot on net, he is on the ground. Right not, the majority of shots, hes making the first move. As a goalie, you cannot make the first move.
Dale Hawerchuk & RJ Video/Speechs from last night.
Miller is finally being exposed. <3
You want a number 1 center who can pot you 100 points? Trade Miller. You don’t need a “great” goaltender to win, you just need one that gets hot and can win you a few games. (AKA Enroth)
Get Nash, move him to Center…lol. Columbus isn’t doing anything with him.
No one is going to take Miller for a # 1 Center.
Truth.
We (Buffalo fans) seem to love Miller. And the fact that people would even begin to comment about trading him for something good. Clearly non sabres fans/coaching/etc… are going to notice how he has been playing before the “I love Miller so much” community can see his shitty playing. I just really feel they should be giving Enroth more playing time than what they are. He has been doing great… why take a goalie out when thats the case. I’m not saying can Miller, but show him… the goalie that performs, Plays! Its NHL hockey, best hockey in the world… Money doesnt make you play, you winning and performing is what gives you the chance to play.
Looks like Enroth will be starting tonight: http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=3977