Miller is a tough case to decide as far as Vezina goes. The save percentage is going to be right in line with the other top contenders, but the GAA going to be much worse (well assuming he doesn't continue to drop off a tenth of a point off it every week
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Wins aren't going to go in his favor either. That said very tough to tell me he's not deserving, especially if St. Louis continues to rise and Buffalo continues to tumble in the standings.
I think Miller is proving what most people already know -- Wins and GAA is very heavily influenced by team in front of goalies.
Miller's play in Buffalo lead to him making the Olympic team after hardly being in the conversation during the summer. He literally was the reason Buffalo won games at all. Having a .923 on the worst team in the league is amazing.
I liken it to the Cy Young award in baseball. If pitchers on the worst teams can win the Cy Young, a goalie on the worst team should be able to win the Vezina if his play is in line with the best.
And hasnt Miller sparked some fire into the Blues? Werent they reeling before they traded for him, and now have won 8 of 9? Hard to argue hes not having as much of an impact for the Blues as theyve had on him, although I havent watched every game.
Is he making difficult saves, or just stopping what he should be? I catch the highlights on NHL live, and very few goals against seem to really be his fault. A lot of bad bounces.