Sabres’ Miller performing at elite level again

BUFFALO – Sabres goalie Ryan Miller is scorching again, performing at the elite Olympic and Vezina Trophy level he showcased throughout a dynamic 2010-11 campaign.

How hot is the 31-year-old, who just stopped a combined 82 shots while posting back-to-back shutouts?

Miller’s 5-0-1 with a 1.14 goals-against average and .966 save percentage in his last six games.

For the season, his numbers – 2.58 and .915 – are both a point lower than his 2010-11 statistics. Remember, Miller sported a GAA more than 3.00 and a save percentage around .900 much of this year.

Miller made 43 saves Wednesday in the Sabres’ 2-0 win in Anaheim and 39 on Thursday in a 1-0 triumph in San Jose. He also had back-to-back shutouts Dec. 3-4, 2010 at home against Columbus and in Ottawa.

According to statistician Mike Haim, Miller’s the first NHL goalie with road shutouts on consecutive days since Boston’s Tim Thomas on Oct. 27-28, 2008 in Edmonton and Vancouver.

Sabres netminders have compiled shutouts on consecutive days four times, according to Haim. Dominik Hasek had the other road blankings March 1-2, 1998, winning in Washington and against the New York Rangers.

The Sabres play tonight in Vancouver.

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