Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller will make his first start at the Sochi Games today against Slovenia, Team USA announced this morning.
It was widely expected Miller, Jonathan Quick’s backup for two games, would get this nod. Quick has played strongly so far, backstopping the U.S. to two wins, including Saturday’s dramatic 3-2 shootout triumph over Russia.
Miller brilliantly backstopped the Americans to a silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Games while earning tournament MVP honors. But the U.S. brass wanted to make Los Angeles’ Quick, who’s enjoyed much more NHL success recently, the top netminder.
At this point, it’s hard to imagine Miller earning the No. 1 job. Today could be his lone appearance these Olympics.
