G Miller starting must-win Game 5 for Canucks

Ryan Miller will be in net as the Canucks look to stave off elimination in Game 5. (USATSI)

The Vancouver Canucks’ net once again belongs to Ryan Miller, at least for tonight. The veteran acquired as a free agent last summer has been tabbed as the starting goaltender for Game 5 as the Canucks look to stave off elimination on home ice. Vancouver trails the Calgary Flames 3-1 in their first-round series.

Miller came on in relief of Eddie Lack in Game 4, stopping all 15 shots he faced in nearly 38 minutes of action. His last start came on April 11 when he gave up five goals in a winning effort against the Edmonton Oilers. That was his first start since Feb. 22 when he suffered a lower-body injury, so Miller hasn’t played a lot of hockey lately.

The 34-year-old netminder had a fair season for the Canucks with a 29-15-1 record to go along with a below-average .911 save percentage and 2.53 goals-against average.

Perhaps the Canucks are leaning on experience in this elimination situation. Over his career, Miller has made 54 appearances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He has a 27-26 record with a .916 save percentage and 2.47 goals-against average.

Now with his team in a must-win situation the rest of the way, Miller has to be on top of his game. Considering the lack of prep time with under 100 minutes between the pipes over the last nine or so weeks, it’s not the ideal situation for either Miller or the Canucks. He did look sharp in Game 4 mop up duty, though.

It will be a much different situation in Game 5, especially since the Flames offense really seemed to heat up over the last two games with seven goals for. The pressure will be on and it will likely be up to Miller to have his very best behind a Canucks lineup that is missing a few players.

This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service – if this is your content and you’re reading it on someone else’s site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php#publishers.