Ex-New York Rangers standout says “It’s awesome” to see mark fall after Sunday’s victory over the Washington Capitals.
ST. PAUL, Minn. — John Vanbiesbrouck was eager to talk Monday, one day after Ryan Miller broke his record for the most victories by a United States-born goaltender with a steady 23-save performance in the Ducks’ 5-2 victory over the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals.
“It’s awesome,” Vanbiesbrouck said by phone from his Michigan home. “Ryan is a special player. I got to know him a little when he was at Michigan State, before he went on to the minors. He was in the minors for many years. Not many people know about that. He’s put in his time.”
Vanbiesbrouck won 374 of his 882 games over a stellar 20-year career with the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils. He retired after the 2001-02 season and now serves as assistant executive director of USA Hockey.
Miller has won 375 of 748 games over a remarkably consistent16-year career with the Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks and the Ducks. He went more than two months between his 374th victory and his 375th, sidelined by a sprained knee.
“I’m so happy for him and his family,” said Vanbiesbrouck, who is based out of the USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, about 25 miles west of downtown Detroit. “To be mentioned in the same category as Ryan is really an honor.
