Rookies Miller and Kotalik put the spark back in the Sabres

By Dave Ricci

As the Buffalo Sabres entered the calendar year, of 2003, things have finally turned around. The Sabres have six wins and one tie in their first eight games in 2003. At the center of the turn-around have been two somewhat unlikely heroes: Rookies Ryan Miller and Ales Kotalik.

Both started the season in Rochester and though they had good outings in early season call-ups, neither player would have been at the top of anyone’s list as "the guy who would turn things around." But that’s just what they did as Miller picked up four wins and a tie in six starts while Kotalik scored six goals in three games.

Their recent success may have caught fans by surprise, but their teammates aren’t shocked at all by the impact of these two talented rookies. "Al’s been around two years and we all know he’s was a really good player in Rochester," said Sabres forward JP Dumont.

Kotalik has a solid 222 pounds of muscle packed onto his 6-foot-1inch frame, which makes him one of the most powerful players in the Sabres line-up. While Kotalik has found the spotlight in recent weeks for his scoring, teammates are fast to acknowledge that Kotalik is doing more then just putting the biscuit in the basket. Kotalik has used his size and strength to open up lanes and create chances for his linemates. Dumont said, "He’s made plays a few times where even though there wasn’t an assist or a point for him on a goal but he still made a big play (to help out)."

Curtis Brown said, "In every area it seems like he can go out there and not be out of place. He’s strong enough to go down there and muck it up but at the same time he’s got enough finesse to where he can go out there and make plays as well."

Kotalik said, "Yeah that’s the kind of style I play. I try to play physical and make some plays that are going to help my teammates. I can create some (scoring) lanes for them, that’s part of my job."

Sabres Captain Stu Barnes, who centers the line with Dumont and Kotalik, agrees that Kotalik is indeed doing a lot of the smaller things very well and is more than worthy of being at the NHL level. Barnes said, "He’s shown that he’s a National Hockey League (quality) player he’s willing to go out and work and throw his body around and make hits and you can also see the talent that he has. He has great hands and a terrific shot. He’s a player that’s going to be around for a long time."

While Kotalik has sparked the offense, Ryan Miller has brought stability back to the crease. At this stage of his career it would be unfair to compare Miller to Dominik Hasek, but Miller does have some Hasek-like qualities. He brings a level of confidence and a swagger that dares you to beat him. Like Hasek, when the Sabres needed a goalie to come up big, Miller has been able to steal points for them. Against Ottawa on January 4th, Miller made at least five game-breaking saves that allowed Buffalo to stay in the game and go on to win in overtime…on a goal by Kotalik.

Sabres defenseman Jay McKee had this to say about Miller. "He’s pretty comfortable up here, he’s playing with confidence and that’s something we need. He’s done a lot in the past (in college) and he’s a guy who shows he can be a star in the future I think he’s got all of the tools and the skills to be one of the best goaltenders in this league."

Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff is firmly convinced that with his size, strength and skating ability Kotalik has all the natural skills to succeed in this sport. Ruff said, "I think he’s got the hardest shot on the team. The hardest and the quickest, combine that with how big he is, he has the tools."

Ruff also added that even though Kotalik had a good training camp starting the season in Rochester was good for him. Because Kotalik appreciates his time with the Sabres more and he’s dedicated and determined to remain here.

Kotalik is very happy with the contributions he’s made in recent weeks, but he knows he still has a long way to go to prove that he is worthy of a regular job in the NHL. Kotalik pointed out that should injured players (like Jochen Hecht or Maxim Afinogenov) return he could find himself back in Rochester.

Kotalik said, "I was called up because of those injuries but I don’t know what will happen when they are ready to play and come back. So I have to play as well as I can and make the (coach’s) decision to send me back down even harder."

Miller’s take on his status was identical to Kotalik’s. Miller feels he can play at this level but he still has a lot of learning to do and dues to pay before he can be considered a fixture in the Sabres locker room. Miller modestly said, "That’s a long way off. You’ve got to play a couple seasons and you’ve got a lot to learn before you can do that. Right now I’m just happy making the progress that I’m making. I think I’m moving forward."

With all that’s gone on this season on and off the ice fans and members of the Sabres organization can look at players like Ales Kotalik and Ryan Miller. Breathe a sigh of relief and know that the on ice future of this team looks pretty good.

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