There haven't been too many missteps from the boys in blue and gold this early season, but Saturday was one of them. It's super easy to say after a 5-0 loss, but even with three off-days ahead, Patrick Lalime should've spelled Ryan Miller between the pipes.

The way the Sabres played, it wouldn't have made a big deal on the bottom line. The skaters' focus had loss written all over it, but the prospect of Ryan Miller as American Olympic goaltender is looming. Even with the Olympics in the "West Coast road trip" area of Vancouver, it will still likely be an extra handful of games for Miller while the rest of the league's netminders are getting rest.

The Sabres' November is set for one night off per week for Miller, especially with the number of solid teams on the schedule (Philadelphia thrice, Washington, Calgary). They play Wednesday, Friday, Saturday all month. Lindy Ruff could hand-pick the nights off well in advance, and probably has. If I'm the head coach, I play Lalime at least thrice this month (all at home):

Nov. 4 vs. Islanders
Nov. 11 vs. Oilers
Nov. 28 vs. Carolina

You could convince me Nov. 18 vs. Florida, but I know the home fans want to see Miller...

By the way, these are the 12 teams playing Olympic ice hockey. The States' group includes Canada, Norway and Switzerland.

Belarus
Canada
Czech Republic
Finland
Latvia
Norway
Russia
Slovakia
Sweden
Switzerland
United States

Email: nick@wgr550.com