ryan_miller_.jpgHey Ryan, as a die hard Buffalo fan that has unfortunately relocated to Raleigh, NC, I'd like to know how the Sabres dressing room feels about playing the 'Canes. Are you as pumped as the fans are to be there?
–Lucas

Raleigh is a great rink to play in, because it seems like there is an unusually large number of Sabres fans. Wherever we go it seems that there are a handful of Buffalo faithful, but Raleigh gets a lot. It is always fun to see everyone tailgating before the games.

Hey Ryan, don't know if you saw, but Don Cherry said that Mike Keenan should've started Curtis Joseph again to take pressure off of Kipper. He didn't and, as you know, the Flames have lost the last two games. What do you think is the best thing for a coach to do in that situation?
–Jason

I think that situation has worked out for the Flames since you have asked this question, no matter how Game 7 goes. You don’t put your No. 1 on the bench in that situation any longer than needed. He didn’t have a bad game, he was a victim of his team’s slow start and they were very fortunate to recover. Keenan’s move was a team wake up call, not a reflection of his faith in Kiprusoff. I was happy to see a hero of mine (Curtis Joseph) come in and get a win, but it is the right move to go back to the guy who got you there.

Who on the team picks the songs that are played in the warmup for home games? Also I know you are big into music, what is your favorite band?
–Joe

Some of the guys recommend songs, and Andew Peters and I slipped some in toward the end of the year. We were getting a little sick of the songs. I had them use Queens of the Stone Age's "3’s and 7’s” and “The good left undone” by Rise Against When it comes to music I am pretty eclectic, but I usually come back to alternative or rock. I am really into the Raconteur’s new album. I love anything Jack White does.

What do you think about the issue of the size of the net vs. the size of goaltender equipment? I know this is a big issue for the Competition Committee to discuss, which I'd heard you are going to be a part of and, if you are, good luck!
–Anne

I have no problem with discussing the sizing of goalie equipment and a reduction. I definitely think some of it is still a little outrageous. Where I get concerned with the cutting of equipment size is protection. There has to be a method to cutting back and I am happy to give my opinion. I think that equipment sizing coupled with keeping a high standard of refereeing, to give players more room to skate, will increase the chances of a player scoring without making a drastic change to the sport. I don’t really feel like going to soccer camp this summer to learn how to play goal in front of a bigger net.

Ryan, I grew up watching you play Jr. A in the Soo, and was a goalie too, so you have always been an idol of mine. I also went to MSU; I missed you by a couple years, but I did get to see your brother play here. Just wondering, who is your favorite is to bring the cup home this year?
–Steve Brey

I had a lot of fun in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Learned a lot, too. If I were to pick a team, it would be based on friendship and one of my best friends, John Michael Liles is a big part of the Colorado Avalanche. I have a few other buddies that I would pull for, but John pulls rank on this.

What do you think about the league altering the schedule so that each team in the league will play each other at least once each season? Thanks!
–KJ

I think it is a good idea. Fans deserve to have the opportunity to see what the entire league has to offer. It also seems strange that two teams can play for the Stanley Cup and they may never have played against each other.




Tune in to Stretch on Maxim Radio on Sirius Satellite Radio each Wednesday morning at 11am ET for NHL All-Star goalie Ryan Miller's weekly Stanley Cup Playoffs report.

 



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