Buffalo's playoff hopes have taken a big hit since Ryan Miller went down on Feb. 21. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller participated Monday in his first full practice with the team since injuring an ankle a month ago.
Miller, out since suffering a high ankle sprain in a win over the New York Rangers on Feb. 21, began doing some light skating in limited equipment last week. On Monday, he was taking shots in full gear, and spent more time in net than Mikael Tellqvist and Patrick Lalime, who took turns tending the other goal.
Miller didn't indicate when he might be ready to return to the lineup, but last week the netminder vowed to be back before Buffalo's final game of the regular season on April 11.
"My plan is to get in as quick as possible, but I really can't tell you when that's going to be," Miller said. "It's all dependent on how quickly I get myself up to speed and how my ankle reacts. You don't want to do anything too quick."
The Sabres have faded from the Eastern Conference playoff race since Miller was upended behind his net by Rangers forward Scott Gomez, going just 3-7-2 with journeyman Patrick Lalime in net.
Buffalo (34-30-8) is in 10th place with 76 points, but with 10 games remaining trails Montreal by five points for the eighth and final playoff spot in the conference.
The Sabres must also contend with the ninth-place Florida Panthers, who are four points ahead. Even 11th-place Ottawa has closed to within two points of Buffalo, and 12th-place Toronto is three back.
Miller is on pace to set career bests in goals-against average (2.50) and save percentage (.919), and is tied for second in the NHL with seven shootout wins.
"Sitting out the last month has been eating away at me and I want to be out there," Miller said. "But I want to be smart. A goalie who is not 100 per cent right now is not what we need."
With files from Associated Press
