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In praise of Ryan Miller

Vancouver Canucks v Philadelphia Flyers

Vancouver Canucks v Philadelphia Flyers

NHLI via Getty Images

Ryan Miller got off to a great start with his new team, the Vancouver Canucks.

Or so the story went.

In reality, Miller’s gaudy win-loss record at the beginning of the season was just as much, if not more, a reflection of his teammates’ ability to score goals versus his ability to deny them.

But the 34-year-old has been earning his big contract lately. In his last 10 starts, he’s allowed just 14 goals, with a save percentage of .955 over that stretch. The Canucks won seven of those starts, including four victories when they scored three or fewer goals.

Not surprisingly, Miller’s save percentage has improved dramatically, up to .919, one point shy of the likes of Henrik Lundqvist, Corey Crawford, Jimmy Howard, and Cory Schneider, who are all tied at .920.

“I’ve had a nice long stretch with [the Canucks], a half a season,” Miller said recently, per The Province. “Now, we’re getting to the point where we know each other a lot better.”

Last night in Florida, Miller fell just 2:32 of notching his third straight shutout in a 2-1 victory over the Panthers.

There’s a good chance he’ll start again tonight in Tampa Bay, after which the Canucks will enter the All-Star break. Sans goalie controversy.

Related: Why sign Miller? Benning wanted ‘a goalie with experience’