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Kristen
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Kristen
So I want to try and make this Vlogging thing a regular thing. We need more representation on the youtubes.
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kickasspapaya
Just a little blurb from my office at work. I don’t pay enough attention to this blog and I’m going to try to be better about it. Anyway, I’m sitting at my desk, and we just had a fire drill, so one of the maintenance guys was coming around with a sign in sheet. Now, I’ve maybe spoken to him twice since I started working here in December, but he comes into my office and sees my bobble heads and zamboni on my desk and goes on to tell me about how he’s never enjoyed watching organized sport with the exception of hockey. He grew up a couple blocks from the Garden (original Garden, not the TD Banknorth), and used to sneak into the games as a kid. “Now you’d get arrested!” I just love stories like that about life long Bruins fans. Go Bs!
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kickasspapaya
Copied of course, from bruins.nhl.com
The_Linesman: Welcome everyone. Fire up those questions…
Matt_Hunwick: What’s up everyone… thanks for coming, I’m ready to get started
hockeygirl3773: Who is your Roomate at home and on the road?
Matt_Hunwick: No roommate at home, Blake Wheeler on the road.
bruins_60: How is Blake as a roommate??
Matt_Hunwick: Great roommate, we like a lot of the same movies. I think we watched Step Brothers 5 different times during this last trip.
gobigred: What nickname do you like better – Hunny or Braids?
Matt_Hunwick: Braids
Janney23: Hey Matt, how tough was the transition from D to playing a wing?
Matt_Hunwick: It actually wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. The hardest part was probably picking up pucks on breakouts.
Matt_Hunwick: I liked the freedom offensively and I was able to skate and hit more often.
bsgirl81: what music to you like to listen to before a game
Matt_Hunwick: Usually on the way to games I listen to rap.
Matt_Hunwick: During my warm-up I listen to rock.
Matt_Hunwick: Lil Wayne on the way in… and during my warm-up and stretching usually Linkin Park, Three Days Grace
k2www14: what’s it like to play with such a big player like Zdeno Chara?
Matt_Hunwick: He makes it a lot easier for whoever is playing with him.
Matt_Hunwick: His size and reach are tremendous assets on the PK. He has been unbelievable on the kill recently.
Annie: Temporarity insanity? A lost bet? Why why WHY did you cut off those beautiful curls? Aargh!
Matt_Hunwick: Haha there’s actually been a few questions about my hair so I guess I have to answer it…
Matt_Hunwick: Two reasons, one we were going to Florida and I didn’t want to have a lot of hair in the heat.
Matt_Hunwick: Secondly, we have the Cuts For A Cause event to raise money for cancer research coming up where I’m shaving my head…
Matt_Hunwick: … so it would be a less drastic change going from what I have now to a shaved head
Matt_Hunwick: I’ll let it grow back after I shave my head though
The_Linesman: …
bdpendleton: Hey matt how is the team handling the stress before the playoffs
Matt_Hunwick: I think with our recent play we’ve started to find our game a little bit and once the playoffs come, we should be ready to go.
Matt_Hunwick: We have high expectations for our play, that being said we just want to go out and play our game each night.
mike43: you had one fight this season…one punch KO. any chance we’ll see a few more?
Matt_Hunwick: Yeah maybe, maybe one more before the season is up.
mlpb1737: Who do you hang out with most on the team?
Matt_Hunwick: I was really close with Nokelainen, but now its probably Wheels.
c_S_C_D: what was your favorite class in school?
Matt_Hunwick: At Michigan, was probably my European Economics class… was very interesting and had a great professor.
hiya_hunny!: hey matt, how has playing in boston for your rookie season been, and what has your favorite part been?
Matt_Hunwick: It’s been a lot of fun so far. The success of the team has made the year that much more special.
Matt_Hunwick: Living in Boston has been awesome.
Matt_Hunwick: I’m a big walker, I walk everywhere in the city. Boston is a big city but at the same time you can get just about anywhere by walking.
The_Linesman: Outstanding questions!
hockeygirl3773: I miss Nokie, was so sad they traded him. Being a 12 year lung cancer survivor, I would like to thank you for shaving your head to help research….
Matt_Hunwick: I’m glad I can help. There should be more information about the event on the Bruins website and WBCN on how everyone can contribute.
shawn: when you watch hockey what is your favorite part of the game, watching a team on the PK or a team on PP, just straight 5 on 5 ?
Matt_Hunwick: I think 4 on 4 actually because you see all the skill players with a lot more room to work.
bostonB123: who was your hockey idol when you where young??
Matt_Hunwick: Steve Yzerman.
bananas713@yaho: How do you think the team is holding up without Phil Kessel? And is there any information you can tell us about his injury?
Matt_Hunwick: Right now we are doing ok, but he is obviously a big reason why we are tops in the East right now.
Matt_Hunwick: It’s tough to lose a player with his game breaking ability.
Matt_Hunwick: Alright guys here’s the full scoop on his injury…
Matt_Hunwick: Just kidding, that’s my April Fools joke!
CamTokarski: You think Timmy Thomas can win the Vezina?
Matt_Hunwick: Absolutely he can win the Vezina. He has had an outstanding year.
LucicCrewdotcom: Hey Matt, how has Mark Recchi been in the locker room and as a mentor/veteran in general?
Matt_Hunwick: It has been great having a guy with his experience come in to the dressing room at this time of year.
Matt_Hunwick: I think he is a calming influence for our younger players and a guy we know we can ask any type of question because we know he has been through just about everything.
Matt_Hunwick: Plus he’s been great on the ice in front of the net, on the pp, just in general.
habs_stink: pepsi or coke? pizza hut or dominos?
Matt_Hunwick: I’m a pro athlete, I can’t eat or drink any of that stuff!
Matt_Hunwick: (coke and dominos)
Bruinsfan09: Now that Fernandez has gotten back to his old self and is feeling a lot more comfortable in goal, how does it feel to know that you can count on either one of your goaltenders?
Matt_Hunwick: That’s huge.
Matt_Hunwick: I think the past two or three years every Stanley Cup winner has used two goalies along the way.
Flyingp: Matt, what’s the nickname the team has given you? Through NESN, I swear I can hear the guys yell “Hunny!” when they want to pass to you. Say it ain’t so!
Matt_Hunwick: Huddy or Huds was the nickname I had in college, but that never really caught on here in Boston.
Matt_Hunwick: “Munch” has actually stuck, and that’s what the guys call me. That nickname was given to me when I was a kid because I used to constantly eat.
Matt_Hunwick: I’m not a big fan of “Hunny”, but I’m a rookie so what are you gonna do!
46-26-73-81-91: Hey Matt! Great season so far! What do you do to train yourself in the off-season?
Matt_Hunwick: How come there’s no 48 in your screen name??
Matt_Hunwick: But on to the question…
Matt_Hunwick: last summer I trained at U of M with Mike Barwis and his staff. We would lift three times a week, run twice a week and do speed and agility twice a week.
Matt_Hunwick: As the season got closer we began on ice training.
The_Linesman: …
sportsluva1995: what is your favorite position to play? Left wing or Defensemen?
Matt_Hunwick: Probably defense because you one, you get more ice time and two, when you jump into the play it’s usually an odd man rush
jrballa619: are you nervous heading into the post season or is there a ton of confidence with being at the top of the eastern conf.
Matt_Hunwick: Personally I am not nervous, more excited for the opportunity to play in the playoffs.
Matt_Hunwick: We are confident, but not at all $%&*y. If we play our game we feel we can match up with anybody.
Matt_Hunwick: I typed “c o c k y,” looks like the computer edited it
broonsfan: how are the fans in boston compared to college fans?
Matt_Hunwick: There’s a different atmosphere for sure.
Matt_Hunwick: Playing at Yost, it was a much smaller venue with great fans and the band.
Matt_Hunwick: The Garden atmosphere has also been great this year, the fans have really gotten behind us.
Matt_Hunwick: I love playing in an Original 6 building
c_S_C_D: what is your favorite type of music to listen to?
Matt_Hunwick: Probably country.
The_Linesman: keep the questions coming…
bostonB123: what do you do in your spare time
Matt_Hunwick: We don’t have as much spare time in Boston as we did in Providence.
Matt_Hunwick: But when we do have some time, and when the weathers nice, I like to get out and walk to the movies or meet up with friends for dinner.
I_LIKE_HOCKEY: Where is your favorite place to play other than Boston?
Matt_Hunwick: Ann Arbor… for a NHL city Montreal because they are our biggest rival and its fun to go in to a place where they don’t like you.
bruins42: what is your favorite movie?
Matt_Hunwick: My all time favorite movie is Grumpy Old Men
IBleedBlackNGld: Who is your least favorite player to play against on the ice?
Matt_Hunwick: It would have to be Z in practice.
surfcaster: What do you enjoy doing in your time off from hockey?
Matt_Hunwick: In the summer I’m big into cycling and tennis as well as just relaxing at the lake.
Bergy_Savvy: What is the atmosphere in the locker room before a game?
Matt_Hunwick: Some guys are more serious than others.
Matt_Hunwick: Me personally I am hardly in the locker room before a game because I do a lot warming up and playing soccer outside of the room.
Matt_Hunwick: We have a good group that plays soccer every game… me, Stuey, Wardo, Manny, Savvy, Krech, Luch
Matt_Hunwick: We play before almost every game.
I_LIKE_HOCKEY: Have you been to any of the BU Northeastern or BC games this year? And if so what do you think of College Hockey in Boston?
Matt_Hunwick: I went to the BU/BC Hockey East semifinal.
Matt_Hunwick: It’s crazy to have so many teams in such a small area.
Matt_Hunwick: I had the flu during the Beanpot but that’s something I’d like to check out next season.
The_Linesman: …
bruinsfan4life: Hey Matt, did the Bruins do anything special for Ryders b-day yesterday ?
Matt_Hunwick: It was his birthday yesterday?? I am going to text him right now!
NE_Champs09: you been to any concerts in the area?
Matt_Hunwick: I saw Dropkick Murphys on St. Patrick’s Day and I saw Metallica when they were in town.
Hunchwick: Why did you choose the number 48?
Matt_Hunwick: It was given to me during training camp.
Sobotka_Krejci: Do you still talk to Jack Jonhson your former college teammate?
Matt_Hunwick: Yeah I got to see him when LA came to town a few weeks ago. We still talk whenever we have time.
nokie_4_ever: What is up with Savvy playing Britney Spears in the locker room? Does it annoy you?
Matt_Hunwick: Thankfully Savvy is no longer in charge of the pregame music anymore.
The_Linesman: …
Beantown: do you think Thort’s will grow out some killer side burns?
Matt_Hunwick: I think he is going to grow out a full beard. Hopefully we will be playing long enough to see it at its peak, to rival his look when he was with Anaheim.
The_Linesman: A couple more, guys!
newfaloop: You willing to spill the news on Phils injury?!?!?
Matt_Hunwick: I addressed that earlier… you’ll have to read the transcript.
looch17: What is your favourite timmy thomas save this year??
Matt_Hunwick: Any one he made when I was the ice and he saved me from getting a minus!
lucic17: I hear a bunch of you guys like PEARL JAM…are you a fan?!
Matt_Hunwick: I like Pearl Jam but Stuey is the real fanatic.
The_Linesman: Okay, two more…
Sobotka_Krejci: What was it like playing against Detroit for the first time, considering you were such a big fan?
Matt_Hunwick: The first time I played against them was in preseason in Detroit. I was nervous but I thought I played my best preseason game when I was there.
Matt_Hunwick: It was special playing in that building in front of my family and friends.
jdssportsshed: Hey Matt. What was the general feeling in the room after meeting Lashoff and Karsums for the first time as opponents??
Matt_Hunwick: We had to approach it as if we were playing against anyone else. At the same time, after the game when we saw each other we are still friends. It was good seeing them and seeing them do so well.
Matt_Hunwick: Thanks everyone for the questions, I appreciate the support throughout the season.
The_Linesman: Okay. Thank you everyone! -
kickasspapaya
Straight from bruins.nhl.com, we have Blake Wheeler’s recent chat with the fans. I won’t post the whole thing because it’s long, but here are some highlights:
beproud42: Does Thomas get as aggressive on you guys in practice as he does on opposing players during games?
Blake Wheeler: Timmy is one of the most competitive players I’ve ever played with, which is
why he is such a phenomenal goaltender.
Blake Wheeler: In practice whenever I score on him, he screams at me and bascially makes me feel terrible about myself haha
Blake Wheeler: It’s gotten to the point where I give him three warmup shots every practice before I actually start trying to score for real.
Blake Wheeler: It’s an agreement we’ve made to keep everyone happy.AtholHockey24: Would you throw the glove down with Lucic ?
Blake Wheeler: Maybe…
Blake Wheeler: if the survival of the human species depended on it…
Blake Wheeler: and he had one hand tied behind his back…
Blake Wheeler: …and even then I probably wouldn’t fight him.bruins46: So are you thinking of going pro as a Rockband Drummer?
Blake Wheeler: My career was on the fast lane to superstardom.
Blake Wheeler: Until I had a bout of shin splints in my right leg due to the excessive tapping
on the hi-hat pedal
Blake Wheeler: At that point I had to choose between a career in hockey or one in rock band…
Blake Wheeler: After several minutes of soul searching, hockey won out but only by a hair. -
kickasspapaya
This past weekend was spent entirely with the Bruins. Both of Providence and Boston variety. Friday night was Vladimir Sobotka Bobble Head Night, which Kristen and I couldn’t resist, so we flew down there after I got out of work. Sadly, I saw more dismembered Vladis than I care to think about at the moment, but we did manage to rescue a couple, and mine is now safely on my desk at work. Anyway, the P-Bruins won. And at the same time, the big Bruins were winning HUGE down in Atlanta. Do really what more could I ask for?
I took pictures at the game, in case you’re interested…
So on Saturday, the Bruins were back in Boston to finish their home and home with the Thrashers, which resulted in another win. I like the way they do that all the time now. It’s all sorts of fantastic. I was kind of hoping to see Johan Hedberg lose his cool and shatter another stick, but alas, I’ll settle for the win.
Topping off our weekend with the Bruins was the season ticket holder open practice on Sunday. Savvy and Looch took the ice first, thanking the group for being such awesome fans, and then after Savvy thoroughly embarrassed Phil Kessel, they prodceeded with an hour long practice. Noke, Bergy and Chuck were missing due to upper body injury, flu and personal reasons respectively, but it was a lot of fun to watch. After the practice concluded, we were divided up into three groups and wandered off to three of the bars on Friend Street to meet and greet with a few of the players. Kristen and I ended up at DJ’s with Mark Stuart, Matt Lashoff, Michael Ryder, Manny Fernandez and Milan Lucic. All of them were great guys and were more than happy to sign and take pictures and all that sort of stuff. But anyway, I’ve got more pictures, so I’ll leave you with those…
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Kristen
Man this place got a little dusty…
Hey there! So my good buddy Theresa gave me posting access here on her blog. No one ever wants to go to a hockey game alone, and when you see anything she’s written about a Bruins game, 99% of the time I’m the one who’s sitting next to her the entire time she’s experienced it. Hi. I’m Kristen. I like hockey too.
I’m here to offer another view from the cheap seats and another perspective from yet another hockey fan. I don’t have the years of hockey knowledge and gigantic collection of hockey jerseys that Theresa has, but I do have a passion for the game and I’ve been a quick learner.
So let’s say hello to voice number two.
And just so this post doesn’t totally go to waste, let’s catch up with the Bruins, shall we?
Um. Can I just say: first place?
Actually, no, let’s say that with a little more confidence: FIRST FUCKING PLACE BABY!
I remember around playoff’s last season how I was practically gushing (oh who am I kidding, I was gushing) over the depth and integrity of this team. And this season it’s only gotten better. (See: Blake Wheeler, Phil Kessel, Marc Savard, David Krejci, Milan Lucic, Dennis Wideman, Matt Hunwick, Shane Hnidy, Chuck Kobasew, Tim Thomas, Manny Fernandez, Shawn Thornton, Stephane Yelle. And on IR: Marco Sturm, Andrew Ference.)
Well… Everything’s gotten better… that is except our “top” D pairing. I’m told that even though we pay them the most and they get the most ice time certainly doesn’t designate them as the “top” pairing. Even though… you know… usually those two things are indicative of a top pairing… The Dudtastic Duo that is Aaron Ward and Zdeno Chara still leaves much to be desired. Ward hasn’t been a total disappointment this season but Chara? A man of his size shouldn’t be so invisible on the ice.
I’ve got much more to say but we’ll leave it for another day. I think my debut has been earth-shattering enough.
Go Bruins! Good luck in Tampa Thursday!
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kickasspapaya
Things were all well and good in Section 323, tonight. The crowd was geared up and ready for some awesome Bruins action. I’m pleased to report that our seats are situated next to some pretty hardcore, long-time season ticket holders who know their game well. They seem like really nice guys and they’ll be pretty easy to get along with.
But onto the actual hockey! Let’s be honest, the Bruins seemed flat tonight. I know it’s still early in the season, but they were just very… Blah. The power play was a disaster and the penalty kill made it through by the skin of its teeth. The Penguins played a largely undisciplined game, and the Bruins only capitalized on one chance to make them pay for it. I will, however, say that Dennis Wideman was solid on defense tonight, minus a few little stumbles. Phil Kessel also seems to be headed in the right direction, with three goals in the last two games, Tim Thomas made some pretty incredible saves tonight and Marco Sturm looked Peter Forsberg-esque diving into the net in an attempt to score. Hopefully next time, the puck will end up in the net with him.
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kickasspapaya
The first purpose of this post is to explain the new format! This summer, I became a Boston Bruins season ticket holder! My season ticket representative tells me that it’s a great time to be a Bruins fan, and I couldn’t agree more. Not that the rest of my life hasn’t been an awesome time to be a Bruins fan, but you know what I mean. It’s an exciting time for hockey in Boston, and I’m thrilled that I’ll be taking the games in from a seat all my own with my best friend by my side. So onto the new format… This is going to serve as a record of my first year as a season ticket holder. I’ll be posting pictures, reviews, observations and perhaps even the occasional scouting report. Basically you’ll be seeing the Bruins through my eyes.
The second purpose of this post is a little bit of catchup. I’ve been following the off-season transactions, and though not all of them really piqued my interest, I’ll post the rundown of the ones that did, starting with free agency.
8/8/08 Teppo Numminen signs a 1 year deal with Buffalo. This is a great one, it’s amazing what Teppo’s overcome and I’ll be happy to see him for at least one more year in Buffalo.
7/20/08 Andre Roy signs with Calgary. Mark Smith’s future as a Flame is looking bleaker by the moment.
7/15/08 Jeff Hoggan signs a 1 year contract with Phoenix. I’ve had to say goodbye to my favorite Bruin. Luckily Phoenix will be visiting the Garden this season, and my Hoggan jersey will come in handy.
7/8/08 Paul Mara signs a 1 year, $1.95 million deal with the New York Rangers. Completely honestly, who spends that kind of money on a defenseman like Mara?
7/6/08 Owen Nolan signs a 2 year, $5.5 million deal with Minnesota. I adore Owen Nolan. Always have, really. But why him and not Brian Rolston?
7/2/08 Jarkko Ruutu signs with Ottawa. A 1,000% increase over Brian McGrattan.
7/2/08 Petteri Nokelainen signs on for 2 more years with the Bruins. I can’t believe the talent that came out of Providence and carried the B’s to the playoffs last season, it’s great that they’re keeping them all around.
7/2/08 Sean Avery inks a 4 year deal with Dallas. As if I didn’t hate the Stars enough already…
7/1/08 Michael Ryder signs a $2 million contract with the Bruins. I’m skeptical about this one. If he turns out to be the wingman Marc Savard needs, then I owe him an apology.
7/1/08 Wade Redden signs a 6 year, $39 million contract with the Rangers. Now Wade’s a guy I would have liked to see in black and gold…
7/1/08 Brian Rolston signs on for 4 years and $20.25 million with the New Jersey Devils. This only disappoints me because it’s the Devils.
7/1/08 Patrick Rissmiller signs with the Rangers. Rizzle’s one of my favorite players in the league. I’m glad he’s closer to home, but it sucks that being closer to home means that he’ll be a Ranger.
7/1/08 Mike Commodore signs on for 5 years with the Blue Jackets. Here’s to hoping they like him better in Columbus than they did in Ottawa.
7/1/08 Mike Green signs a 4 year, $21 million deal with the Capitals. There was no way the Caps were going to let his talent slip away.
Last but not least, 6/30/08 Paul Gaustad signs on for 4 more years with the Sabres. He’s a huge part of that team. -
kickasspapaya
Goalie Miller carrying a heavy load in Sabres’ push to make playoffs
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -While much of Buffalo spent last weekend enjoying the city’s typically rowdy St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Ryan Miller quietly took in the parade, had dinner, went home and kicked back on the couch.
“It was fun,” the Buffalo Sabres goalie said, fully aware his definition of fun these days differs from the norm. “This is the first extended break I’ve had in a long, long time. You get it where you can.”
For Miller, this was what he called a chance to “check out” on a rare day off – no practice, game or media commitment – during a grueling season in which he’s had to check in for a career-high 69 games and counting, four short of the Sabres’ single-season record for appearances by a goalie.
It’s a heavy workload for any goalie, never mind a player in only his fourth full NHL season. And it’s one that Miller has accepted in his quest to join the league’s elite.
It was one thing to play a contributing role on a talent-laden and offensively potent Sabres team that gained the Eastern Conference finals the previous two seasons. Miller is keenly aware of the bigger test of putting this young Sabres squad – minus Chris Drury, Daniel Briere and now Brian Campbell – on his shoulders and carrying it to the postseason.
“It’s a learning curve for sure, and I feel if I can handle the amount of games, and the pressure that comes with playing in this town and being a contender, then that would be a step forward in my career,” Miller said, acknowledging he’s experienced mental fatigue. “It’s the most taxing thing I’ve done short of the playoffs.”
The job is not yet done. With eight games left, Buffalo sits a point behind Philadelphia for the Eastern Conference’s eighth and final playoff spot.
Miller has done his part in a season in which he’s not taken more than one game off at a time and is currently on a 27-game appearance streak, with his last game off coming Jan. 21. Adding to his workload is the Sabres’ tough schedule. Prior to last weekend’s three-day break, they had played 25 games in 47 days.
Through it all, Miller’s numbers have been consistent.
His 2.58 goals-against average this season is 12 points lower than his career average, and his three shutouts nearly doubled his career total to seven. The only knock against Miller is his performance in shootouts.
After going 10-4 in shootouts and allowing nine goals on 46 attempts last season, Miller has gone 2-7 this year, allowing 12 goals on 24 shots. The Sabres offense, though, has let him down, having only scored on seven of 24 shootout attempts in games Miller has played.
It wasn’t coach Lindy Ruff’s intention to work Miller so hard when the season began, but he’s been forced to lean heavily on his starter after the Sabres dropped as low as 13th place in late January.
“He’s been resilient,” Ruff said.
Ruff’s concern is not the physical toll, but the mental stress that comes with Miller having to be consistently on top of his game.
“I think the step for Ryan, the step he has to make to become one of the elite, is handling this daily load,” Ruff said. “This is another type of pressure. We’re in an eight-game playoff series where you probably need your goalie to be your best player.”
Defenseman Henrik Tallinder is impressed by how Miller has responded.
“Mentally, it’s tough for him to play all these games, and I think he’s done a great job of it,” Tallinder said. “If you look at last year’s team and the team here before that, we had a lot more scoring, and a lot more depth than we have this year. So he’s had to step up, and that’s what he’s done.”
Should Miller appear in each of Buffalo’s final eight games, he’ll finish with 77 appearances, which would put him in a tie for third on the NHL’s single-season list, and two short of the record set by Grant Fuhr in 1995-96 with St. Louis.
There have been times when Miller has had difficulty coping with his workload.
He reacted angrily last week when pressed on his poor shootout record. And yet Miller has also shown boyish enthusiasm, eagerly showing off his bruised nose and broken cage, the result of being struck by a shot from Nashville’s Marek Zidlicky last month.
Miller was knocked woozy by the shot and missed eight minutes, but returned to secure an 8-4 victory.
Miller doesn’t regret occasionally wearing his temperament on his sleeve.
“As a goalie, your tendency is to put the team on your shoulders when you can. And I’m the kind of person – I’m not cocky, but I can’t brush things off – that takes a lot of things to heart,” Miller said. “I think I’ve grown up a lot to where I can control it. I can’t harness it like I want to, but it’s getting there.”
For Miller, setting Buffalo’s games-played record would mean nothing if it didn’t come with a prize.
“I hope it comes with a playoff berth,” Miller said. “Because it’s kind of a dubious honor otherwise.”
