Sabres-Islanders: Ryan Miller Shines As Buffalo Blanks New York

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Ryan Miller wanted nothing more then to put last Saturday night's 5-0 drubbing at the hands of the New York Islanders behind him.

Tonight as the scene shifted back to Western New York, Miller and company came out and played with a purpose for 60 minutes.  The result: a 3-0 beat down of the Islanders and former Buffalo goaltender Martin Biron.

Since leaving the Sabres, Biron has virtually owned the Buffalo Sabres, winning consistently with either team he has played for since his departure from the Sabres in 2006.

But tonight was Buffalo's night as forward Derek Roy got the monkey off his back, netting his first goal of the year. And Thomas Vanek contributed to the offense as well, as he followed in Roy's footsteps and netted one of his own.

The game was as complete of a game as Buffalo has played in probably two full seasons. The forwards all chipped on both sides and created quality scoring chances, while the defense kept the Islanders' quality scoring chances to a bare minimum.

It is that kind of play that is only going to help keep goaltender Ryan Miller fresh and not facing a firing squad night in and night out.  Buffalo has Thursday off as they prepare for the hated Philadelphia Flyers to invade HSBC arena on Friday night.

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