Goalie matchup: Sabres-Flyers

Justin Goldman chooses Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres: When handicapping Ryan Miller's odds against the Flyers, there are very few succulent statistics on which I can feast.
He only posted a .915 save percentage in 66 games this season and went 2-2 against the Flyers with a 3.60 goals-against average. He also suffered a few curious injuries, including a recent one wrapped in a bit of a riddle.

But Miller knows what it takes to carry an entire team, city and country on his shoulders. His play in the 2010 Winter Olympics proved he's capable of coming up big in the biggest moments imaginable. It's a valuable experience he'll certainly draw upon as he prepares for what is sure to be a grueling and potentially high-scoring series.

Technically speaking, Miller is one of the finest butterfly goaltenders in the world. His footwork is as sharp and precise as a diamond-tipped knife. He understands the intricate points of positioning, including rebound placement, reading odd-man rushes and killing penalties. His gloves are active, lightning-quick and one of his most established strengths.

We both know that goaltending, especially in the playoffs, is 90 percent mental. So when it comes to preparing the mind for a must-win situation, nobody gets "in the zone" better than Miller. His pre-game routine is a benchmark for goalies everywhere, so you can't deny the fact that he's a true mental warrior. To me, he's pure goaltending Zen.

Like a durable Chevy engine, the American-born Miller is also tried, tested and true. He has experienced tough playoff losses and suffered through the excruciating pain of a failed poke check on Sidney Crosby in a gold-medal game. Yet through it all, he has faced the press and the pundits with plenty of poise.

As Buffalo's responsible, reliable and even-keeled leader, Miller won't collapse after a bad goal or an unfortunate bounce.

I also expect Miller to make smarter decisions in key moments. Instead of lunging for a poke check, he'll be more patient. Instead of making a risky pass through the slot, he'll use the boards. Instead of kicking out a rebound on an extended shift, he'll absorb the puck and get a whistle.

Ultimately, a goalie of Miller's pedigree has to dig in the trenches before he can win the war. At age 30, his past has been plenty muddied by big mistakes in monumental games. But his chance to transform those tough losses into big wins is now or never. He won't make the same mistakes twice.