One would assume that Matt Migliaccio and Justin Tobe would be feeling a little pressure now that the unenviable task of replacing Ryan Miller has officially begun.
After all, Miller was one of the most prolific goaltenders in college hockey history before signing with the Buffalo Sabres on Monday.
In just three years, he won the Hobey Baker Award, was named Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year and was a semifinalist for the Sullivan Award.
On the other hand, Miller’s replacements - Migliaccio and Tobe - have only one collegiate start between the two of them.
Most fans and experts probably think MSU’s national championship hopes walked out the door with Miller.
Seems that the pressure is on. Right, guys?
“There’s no pressure,” Migliaccio said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “I mean, the guy leaving net had the most shutouts ever. There’s no pressure on me, trust me.”
At least Migliaccio, a 20-year-old sophomore, knows what he’s up against - even though it’s quite a daunting challenge.
Migliaccio was Miller’s understudy last year and only played three games - one of which he started. In essence, he’s only slightly more seasoned than Tobe, the 17-year-old incoming freshman whom he will battle for the starting job.
MSU head coach Rick Comley gave Migliaccio a shot of faith by saying that if there were a game today, Migliaccio would start.
That’s all the goaltender wants to hear.
“Just a fair chance is all I want,” Migliaccio said Tuesday. “Justin’s a good goalie coming in, but I believe in my capabilities and the team believes in me.
“Last year, I was fighting for a starting job always, too. As dumb as it may seem, I believed in myself.”
As the newcomer, Tobe knows he has to prove his worth before getting any playing time. He said he’s expecting to play every other game at the onset of the season, but things could change after a couple of games.
He also has experience with splitting time in net, doing so for part of his career with the Compuware Ambassadors of the North American Hockey League.
“Once you figure out what game you’re playing, you can really focus on that,” Tobe said. “But at the same time, you have to have your focus all the time because the guy in there could get hurt or have an off-night.
“I just feel that, if given a chance, I can play well.”
As would be expected, Migliaccio and Tobe both got votes of confidence from their coaches and teammates at Miller’s departing press conference Tuesday. The pro-bound goalie even offered assurances.
“I’m glad that I can turn over the reins to two very good goaltenders,” Miller said. “I’m confident in their abilities. Migs and Tobe are both excited to play, and that actually made my decision a lot easier.”
Comley is in the unique position of being the coach of two goaltenders who he has never really seen play.
He said he watched Tobe once while the goaltender was playing for Compuware, but didn’t really pay attention to him.
And although he has a bona fide goaltender controversy on his hands in his first season at MSU, he says he’s fine with it.
“There have been a lot of teams that have taken freshman goaltenders and done very well,” Comley said. “Ryan came in here and split time with Joe Blackburn. (Marty) Turco came into Michigan and played from day one. (Josh) Blackburn played from day one.
“There’s no doubt we have two unproven goaltenders. But until they get some games under their belt, I think it would be unfair to project how well they’re going to do. We’re going to be patient.”
Fast enough for you
Comley said Tuesday that senior defenseman Brad Fast will be the team’s captain this year. Fast served as an assistant captain on last year’s squad and scored 10 goals and 16 assists in 41 games.
Comley said he will choose this year’s assistant captains later.
