Buffalo Sabres Schedule - Season Outlook for Ryan Miller and the Sabres

When it comes to winter sports, fans in Buffalo, New York have high expectations, which the Sabres have largely met over the years despite never putting it all together for a Stanley Cup victory. With all-world goalie Ryan Miller leading the way, the Sabres look like one of the stronger teams in the Eastern Conference, if not the entire NHL. The Buffalo Sabres Schedule is loaded with great matchups that will really test the Sabres, a team that has plenty of talent but still needs to prove that they are worth considering as true Stanley Cup contenders. Here’s a look at their outlook for the rest of the season.

It’s Miller Time!

As a mainstay with the Sabres for years, Ryan Miller is considered a true locker room leader. The East Lansing, Michigan-born hockey superstar is heralded for his amazing goaltending skills and anticipation, helping make him one of the best players in the NHL in recent years. Over his illustrious career, Miller was selected to the U.S. hockey team for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Even though the team fell short of attaining the gold medal, they did manage to win the silver medal, with Miller being named MVP of the tournament. In 2010, he would also win the prestigious Vezina Trophy, given to the top NHL goaltender each year. As long as Miller is in between the pipes, the Sabres always seem to have a chance, though this year Miller will have to overcome a concussion he suffered in mid-November.

International Achievements:

While Miller is best known for his work with the Sabres, he has also amassed a number of achievements in international play. As the starting goalie for Team USA at the 2010 Winter Olympics, Miller led his team to an unprecedented 5-0 start. They also managed to defeat the tournament winner, Canada, in the preliminary round. The tournament also saw victories over Finland and Switzerland, and propelled Team USA into the finals against Canada. Despite Ryan Miller’s 36 saves, the team lost 3-2 in overtime against the Canadians, though Miller was still praised for his effort and has since been considered one of the very best goalies in the entire world. Miller was even named MVP of the tournament.
Outlook for season:
As of mid-December, the Sabres were hanging in the balance in the middle of the Northeast, setting themselves up for a playoff run as we head deeper into the season. Though their hot start suggested they would potentially be in better shape at this point, the injury to Miller was clearly a setback and they struggled to string together wins in his absence. But with Miller just returning to the ice and players like Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville once again putting together great seasons, many hockey experts have them being a major force in the East, with the potential to challenge Philadelphia and New York (Rangers) in the Eastern Conference. To do that, however, the Sabres will have to protect Miller and keep their all-world goalie healthy and between the pipes. If they can do that, there’s no saying that the Sabres can’t put it all together for their first ever title.