Archives for September 8, 2006

'Miller, 26, made a huge splash in 2005-06, his first full season in the NHL.'

'The former 2001 Hobey Baker Award winner from Michigan State was originally drafted by Buffalo in the fifth round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.'

'Miller also backstopped Buffalo to within one game of the Stanley Cup final, posting a record of 11-7 with a 2.56 GAA and .908 save percentage in 18 games.'

'Despite missing 18 games with a fractured thumb, the native of East Lansing, Michigan, finished among the league’s top 10 in wins, goals against average and save percentage (.914). Miller’s 30 wins tied him with Henrik Lundqvist for most among rookie netminders, and were the second-most by a rookie in Sabres history behind Don Edwards’ 38 in 1977-78.'

‘Terms of the deal were not immediately known, but it is believed that Miller received a substantial pay increase from the $501,600 he made as a rookie last season. The 26-year-old was the final Sabres player who was not under contract for the upcoming campaign.’

‘In 18 playoff games last season Miller was 11-7 with a 2.56 goals against average and .908 save percentage.’

Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier announced today that the Sabres have come to terms on a 3-year deal with goaltender Ryan Miller.

'The team will hit the ice at the HSBC Arena at 10:30 a.m. wearing the new home and road uniforms, along with the new retro third jersey. Fans will be able to see the new uniforms in action as two groups will then participate in a scrimmage. New Sabres merchandise will also be available for purchase in the Sabres Store.'

‘Development is important for Buffalo, but Rochester fans demand a winning product. They will stay home if they do not have a competitive team, and that hardly bodes well for one of the AHL’s flagship franchises. The fan bases in many AHL cities, especially during the thick of the summer, are not all that emotionally invested in the doings of the local AHL club.’

'Buffalo will once again feature variable pricing for tickets to all home games. Variable pricing places games into four price categories: gold, silver, bronze and value. The categories are based on opponent, time of year, day of week, classic rivalries and games against marquee players.'