AudSabres wrote:
I don't want to see Miller back in the net until he is healed. Now before I'm strung from the highest tree in the land, hear me out...
If the guys on this team can pull their shit together and start playing as a team and with some jump, they shouldn't have to rely on their goaltending to win them every single game. Keep Miller off that leg and win some games for him and Patty for a change. They can play just as good in front of Lalime as they can in front of Miller so a case of them showing up every shift shouldn't be a question, regardless as to who is between the pipes.
One thing I hope and wish they would do is play more on the attacking side of the puck. Jump into the oppositions faces more instead of sitting back and waiting for the other team to take it to them. Just completely blitz and see how it works if even for one shift. Speed, shots, get to the puck first on the dump ins and win the battles in the corners. Be greedy with the god damn puck and don't let the other team(s) take it from them!
AHHHHHHHHH!!! (Battle cry)
This team can't win without Miller in net and playing his best. Patty Lalime's jaw-dropping career record in Buffalo of 9-23-5 (which is really 9-28) is a clear and obvious indication that the team is weak. That record is not a fluke, nor does it indicate that Patty is a horrible goaltender. It simply means that this team does not have the ability to play winning hockey with average goaltending. The only year in the past 3 they have made the playoffs is when Miller had a Vezina year.
Why people would think this team can turn it around WITHOUT Miller defies logic, given the evidence over the past 3 years and the lack of any significant personnel changes for the better. Lots of platitudes from the players and coaches about playing better and smarter, but with 3 years of massive losing without Miller, those quotes ring hollow.