"Ryan Miller feels better. There's no doubt about that. After struggling through a hip ailment and waiting out a groin strain, the Buffalo Sabres goaltender is comfortable in the crease.

That's exactly what the Sabres need to feel good about their chances.

Miller posted back-to-back shutouts over the weekend, allowing the Sabres to win consecutive games for the first time since mid-November. He had an easy 19-save night Friday when the Sabres dismantled Columbus, 5-0. He had to be perfect Saturday and stopped 32 shots in regulation and overtime, then turned aside another three in the shootout to deliver a 1-0 victory over Ottawa.

He hasn't allowed a goal since the second period of a 3-1 loss to Montreal on Nov. 27, a streak of 148 minutes, 14 seconds.

"He's arguably the best goalie in the world," Sabres defenseman Jordan Leopold said. "When he's on his 'A' game, he's tough to beat."

Miller is 6-2 in his last eight starts dating to Nov. 13, when he returned to the lineup after missing six games with a hip strain. He sat out losses to Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh when his groin proved troublesome, but he has been extremely comfortable in the crease in the four games since, allowing only four goals on 120 shots (.967 save percentage).

The run has improved the goalie's numbers to 9-7-2 with a 2.26 goals-against average and .922 save percentage. He was 3-5-2 with a 2.71 GAA and .903 save percentage when he shut it down because of the hip.

"I'm feeling better," Miller said, "but I think it's a case where the communication has been better with the 'D.'"

Miller insisted his hot streak has coincided with the team playing better around him in the defensive zone. Players aren't fumbling or hesitating with the puck as much. They're more sound positionally, allowing Miller to read plays rather than guess where the breakdown will be.

"[Friday] night was a great example of moving the puck and getting the puck out of the zone between me and my defense," Miller said. "[Saturday] I didn't have as many opportunities, but when I did it was good communication. The guys in front of me were boxing out and not trailing and coming in front of me. They were leaving me really one guy in front to contend with, which is how I want to play."