Miller's Time

It was the feel-good news conference of the summer, and it should be. Ryan Miller's appearance at an HSBC news conference Tuesday was reason for Sabres fans to celebrate. He's a top level goaltender with a terrific upside. He's a dedicated team leader and an extremely positive force in the community. What's more, the Sabres signed him to an extremely reasonable contract. Miller got what appears to be just a bit under the top level rate for an elite goaltender, and the big money is still one year away. He is truly the foundation for the franchise right now, and he's a good foundation on which to build.
Still, I wish he would have talked more about winning championships during his news conference today. I love the fact that Miller grew up with many of his current Sabres teammates in the minors. I'm impressed that he's so comfortable with most of the current Sabres, that he loves to play with them and spend time with them off the ice. I just hope he didn't sign a long term deal with Buffalo to feel comfortable.
Sabres fans expect more from Miller and his teammates. After two close calls in the Conference finals a few years ago, they're ready for the next step. If last year was, in fact, "a hiccup" as Miller said it was today, then they have to prove they have more to offer on the ice this season. That goes for the entire hockey department as well.
Miller is clearly in his comfort zone in Buffalo, and that's a good thing for him and the Sabres. But comfort is not the goal--the Stanley Cup is.

Bad Weather Golf is Fun to Watch

Watching the British Open, I couldn't help but feel like I was at a Bills game in November. Watching the world's best golfers battle the weather, it reminded me of the Bills poor efforts in the bad weather against the Browns and Giants. During all four rounds at Royal Birkdale in southern England, the wind blew nearly 40 miles an hour. It rained. It was cloudy. It was anything but comfortable. All that was missing was snow. The weather severely tested all the golfers. The ones that adjusted were the ones that had success. Its just like the NFL. Usually, the games are played in near perfect conditions. But when those conditions deteriorate, its the teams that adjust that have a better chance at winnings. Same as golf. Most of the tournaments are played in great weather: beginning of the year in Hawaii & California, then Florida, then the summer comes. Rarely are the conditions bad. Except for the British Open. Is it a coincidence that Irishman Padraig Harrington has won the last two, and that 10 of the top 11 at this year's Open hail from Europe. They're used to playing in these conditions.

One of the big stories of this year's Bills season will be how Trent Edwards will improve upon his horrible performances in bad weather games. Maybe he should call Padraig.