Anaheim's turbulent 2020-21 season and Miller's illustrious 18-year NHL career will both close out tonight in Minnesota, where the Ducks face the Wild in the regular season finale and Miller will get one final start.
GAMECENTER
Ducks coach Dallas Eakins announced yesterday that Miller will be in the crease one last time after he announced his retirement from the NHL (following the conclusion of this season) last April 29. Since then Miller played his last home game on
an emotional night at Honda Center
, making 23 saves in a 6-2 win over the Kings.
Miller will retire as the all-time leader among U.S.-born goaltenders in wins, currently with 391, second in shutouts (44) and games played (795). He is the only player in hockey history to be named the top goaltender in the NHL, Winter Olympics and American Hockey League, and the NCAA's top player and best goaltender in his career.
Tonight he and the Ducks will look to play spoilers again on the Wild, who have already qualified for the playoffs but have hopes of moving up to the No. 2 spot in the Honda West division.
The Ducks nearly pulled off the win last night, getting a Derek Grant goal with 5 1/2 minutes left to tie it, only to succumb just 17 seconds into overtime.
Adam Henrique
, who had missed the previous six games in NHL COVID-19 protocol, had a goal and an assist while
John Gibson
had 32 saves in his final start of the season.
The Ducks, unfortunately, will miss the postseason for the third straight season after qualifying for six straight, including two trips to the Western Conference Final.
"The standings are the standings. I think it's just important to finish out the year strong," Henrique said. "With guys in and out of the lineup, everybody has to have the mindset to finish the year off strong. Whether that's for personal goals or whatever, I think it's important."
For what it's worth, Anaheim is 6-1-0 in its last seven season finales, outscoring opponents 21-12. The Ducks are also 12-3-1 with a 53-29 goal differential dating to the conclusion of 2003-04.
