[Gotham Dark Knight]

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- When the playoffs began, Ryan Miller happily recalled how he had won The Basement Cup, The Driveway Cup, The Kitchen Cup -- every type of Cup he could imagine while growing up in a hockey family in East Lansing, Mich.

Now that the rookie goalie has Buffalo halfway to winning the Stanley Cup, Miller realizes this experience feels a whole lot better.

"The Driveway Cup and Kitchen Cup, you seldom lose those," Miller said after practice Tuesday. "But this is really fun. It's one of the coolest things I've been part of."

It might get a lot cooler for Miller when the Sabres open the Eastern Conference final against second-seeded Carolina on Saturday in Raleigh. "I don't think it changes too much," Miller said, referring to the increased pressure on him. "Just go out and play and have some fun."

I am being to like this Kid...he has spunk...I am going to take his card down from selling it on Ebay and keep it...I think Miller can hold off a Hurricane...

[blueandwhite]

Funny. And I was wondering, because in the paper today, it said that this matchup of ward and Miller is a possible Olympic matchup down the road - so i was thinking, which one is American and which is canadian? you answered it for me.
So tonight - Carolina vs Buffalo - tidbits:
Hurricanes won three out of 4 this year, Sabres won last one 4-0.
those who are sucking: canes' Weight is a minus 4 with just one goal and Sabres' rookie Vanek has one point in the playoffs.
Connolly not likely to be back for at least first part of series. Boo.
special note: Carolina not likely to be as mistake prone as the Senators.
I buy that. This will be a tough series, with Staal as big star and Miller the hero so far.
Beat the trap, Buffalo because if you get through, feisty little skaters that you are, you can score on Ward.

[pete_b]

Wow, 1-0 Sabres. I really expected the 'Canes to come out blasting and take this thing 4-0. I mean definitely not lose game one, especially at home. This is definitely a surprise. I guess the 'Canes like coming from behind. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/H/HKN_SABRES_HURRICANES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLAT E=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-05-20-16-59-23

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Briere's fifth goal of the playoffs put Buffalo in front for good, rookie Ryan Miller made 29 saves, and the Sabres held off the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 Saturday in the opener of the best-of-seven series.

Yeah, looks like the American Keeper Miller held it together ...for a 3-2 Win...I think Bufalo is looking good with the kid in goal.