One tenth of the season in, and here's the numbers...

Miller - 7 starts, .940 sv%, 1.69 gaa
Thomas - 7 starts, .902 sv%, 2.97 gaa

Once his team is not playing awesome defense, Thomas is an average goalie. He is not in the top tier with Miller, and the Olympic discussion should be over in a month or so.

Craig Anderson and Miller are easily better, and if Thomas gets time over Anderson in the Olympics it's a damn shame.

I think that this might be the year that Miller finally becomes recognized as an "elite" player.

He has a competent "D" in front of him - AND has continued to improve his game; making really big "Milleresque" saves, when needed.

I have been silently impressed with his steadfastness ('scuse the pun) hence far.

A little off-topic, but if Anderson gets the nod to be Team USA's backup in the Olympics, I'll be so fucking happy. That guy is ON FIRE.

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mechaphil

You and me both.

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Proud LGBTQQ Individual

Miller! Miller! Miller!

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"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hockey Night in Buffalo

Miller HAS to get the nod over Thomas. It would be ridiculous if he didn't.

Anderson is playing amazing, as well. Miller and Anderson would be a really nice 1-2 for the USA...

two local boys i love it. thomas isnt a flashy goaltender, you put him in a position where he has to move side to side alot, or rely on his reflexes, you are going to get a very very mediocre goalie. but, in boston, where the defense is pretty good, he can shine, because he uses his size and positioning well. i like tim thomas, alot. hes a good dude. if he gets the starting nod, i wouldnt be happy from a hockey fans perspective, but i would be very happy for him from a personal standpoint.

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I totally dig that logic, Mike. It's always heart-warming to root for the local dudes

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mechaphil

i couldnt be happier for him. he lived next door to my ex for a few years. got a chance to talk with him. hes a really nice dude. this was back in his IHL days. its really cool to see him become something huge in the league i follow the closest.

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USA!!!! USA!!!!

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Miller, Myers and Greir are sick, but not Jesus Christ..

KILL OTTAWA

And so Miller, the only son of Grier, gave himself in net to save the city of Buffalo

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mechaphil

I've been a bit skeptical of Ryan in the past, but I think he may have finally reached his potential. If he's reading these posts, then please, PLEASE stay in the net. His puck handling still makes me a puppy shitting razor blades.

Miller should win it over Thomas no matter what! Miller has been an overall better goalie than Thomas. There is absolutely no question about that. Just because Thomas had one really good season last year doesnt make him better than Miller, I think that everyone agrees that Miller is just overall better.

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LETS GO BUFFALO!

Well, the speculation that Thomas would get it over Miller began before this season started. During an off-season when Thomas was, and still is, the reigning Vezina winner.

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mechaphil

thomas is a good goalie. its early. i hope he has an awesome season, just not as awesome as miller. i want a thomas AND miller team usa jersey.

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Thomas is a nice. I wish Thomas the best. Thomas is a cool dude and nice guy. Thomas is the reigning Vezina Trophy winner. Thomas is one of the nicest guys. Thomas is a really great goalie. Did I mention he was a nice guy.

I hope this guy fails miserably this season. I hope he has the worst season of his career, not just this season, but every season. Why you ask?
He is in our division, I don't care about the Olympics, nothing in my lifetime will ever top 1980. My priority is to see a cup in Buffalo before I pass on. Thomas needs to have a GAA. of 5.35 this season.
Just thinking of my Sabres.

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Lord Stanley's Cup is what its all about.
Mr. Pegula, your destiny awaits you sir.

Hahaha @Slesh. That's true divisional thinking right there.

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mechaphil

well, i want him to have a GAA of 2.50 with save percentage of .910 but the bruins to win 15 games all year. but i cant wish ill on the guy.

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I too would not want to see his health in jeopardy, atleast not his physical health. Mentally though, I hope he collapses in a game against the Sabres after they put their 7th goal in a game they play him. Hell, I hope he allows 5 goals every game he plays.
But I do wish him good health, Now if he were to end up......lets say in L.A. or Phoenix, or somewhere out in those woods, then I just wouldn't give shit, but I'd wish him well. As long as he is a direct competitor to Buf in our division or conference and has the opportunity to alter our teams destiny, I hope he does not do well then.....

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Lord Stanley's Cup is what its all about.
Mr. Pegula, your destiny awaits you sir.

Indeed, but that is because he had a good season and WAS the Veznina winner. I still believe Miller was and still is better, I mean the last two seasons miller has had to work with a sub par 'D' and he still preformed well, not perfect, but still well. Thomas, if he has no defense he is just not good at all.

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LETS GO BUFFALO!