If you had to choose between Miller or 
Hasek, which one would you want on your team? Let’s say both goalies came into the league at the same time, which one would you sign?
As a 21-year-old I don’t remember watching Hasek as much as Miller, but I do recall “The Dominator” being an elite goaltender. The 1999 Stanley Cup Finals was when I really watched him excel, but we’re not going to talk about that.
Here’s a look at what Hasek has done:
The 1993-’94 season was the first big year that Hasek had as a member of the Sabres. He was 29 and recorded 30 wins in 58 games, while posting a 1.95 goals against. A few years later “The Dominator” found his stride.
From 1996 to the end of the 1999 season, Hasek earned 100 wins. He had 30,33, and 37 win seasons during that time. In the ’98-’99 season, Hasek posted a career best 1.87 goals against, taking the Sabres all the way to the finals.
Hasek battled groin injuries, but came back in 2000 to earn 37 wins for Buffalo. When he was traded to the Red Wings, Hasek’s success continued. He won 41 out of 65 games for Detroit in his first season.
After being traded to Ottawa and back, Hasek had 38 and 27 win season before retiring. Hasek won the cup in the 2001-’02 season with Detroit. Back in 1998, he helped the Czech Republic win the gold medal in the Olympics by going 5-1 and allowing six goals.
Now, here’s what Miller has done so far:
The 2005-’06 season was Miller’s first big season, who was 26 at the time. Miller recorded 30 wins in 48 games and posted a 2.60 goals against. A year later, Miller hit 40 wins in 63 games, leading the Sabres to a President’s Trophy.
Miller then had 34 and 36 win seasons, one in which he faced over 2,000 shots, the most of his career. So far, Miller has 36 wins this season with 11 games to go and a career low 2.20 goals against.
Plus, we all know what Miller did in the 2010 Olympics. He allowed eight goals in six games, leading the United States to a silver medal.
Hasek averaged a .922 save percentage and a 2.20 goals against over his entire NHL career. So far, Miller has averaged a .914 save percentage and a 2.57 goals against.
Perhaps these number are a bit different due to the defense of the teams that Hasek was on. Playing for Detroit would obviously benefit any goaltender with the defense that they have had over the years.
However you want to look at it, they are both superb goaltenders. Do you think it is a coincidence that Miller wanted to wear #39 for the Sabres?
So, will Miller be better than Hasek? Let’s hear what you think.