http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2010/03/move_to_center_brings_more_sco.html
Move to center brings more scoring chances for Red Wings' Drew Miller
By Ansar Khan
March 26, 2010, 10:00PM
DETROIT -- Drew Miller is registering more shots on goal and generating more scoring chances since being moved from the wing to center.
It hasn't yet translated to much offense for the Detroit Red Wings, but coach Mike Babcock likes the way Miller has settled into the third-line center spot vacated two weeks ago by Valtteri Filppula, who was moved up to left wing on Henrik Zetterberg's line.
"We needed that to happen,'' Babcock said. "For a while, we played guys on the top two lines in that (third-line center) hole, but we think he's done a good enough job that we'll just go the way we've been going.''
Miller, centering a line with Dan Cleary and Jason Williams, had 19 shots in six games before Friday. He had recorded four shots in each of four games -- something he had done only once in his first 51 games with Detroit (six vs. Carolina on Jan. 14).
"I'm using my speed to try to skate more with the puck and create more room for myself and my linemates to get open,'' Miller said. "If I can get more shots, I have to start scoring now.
"The chances are coming. The more I'm in those situations I'll be more comfortable and be able to put the puck in the net.''
Although Miller had no points in the previous six games, he has contributed more offense than anticipated, with eight goals and 17 points in 57 games since being claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Nov. 12.
"He's a very smart player, he knows where to go, where to be, and he knows how to play offense or defense,'' Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. "That really comes in handy when you have a player you can use in any situation, who can play any (forward) position.''
A checking forward and penalty killer throughout his brief NHL career, the Michigan State product was hoping to expand his horizons.
"When I first got here, you want to start out by being responsible (defensively) and move forward from there,'' Miller said. "So you don't want to be just one type of player, you want to be multi-dimensional -- kill penalties, fitting on any line you can, power play if you have to, do whatever you can to help the team.''
Said Babcock: "He's getting more confidence all the time. We think he's got some talent. He can really skate, he's got a good shot, he's good defensively, he's aware. Ideally, he can chip in offensively as well.''
One area in which Miller is trying to improve is faceoffs. He has won only 36.8 percent of his draws (14-of-38). Cleary and Williams take some of the faceoffs for that line.
"I just watch (Kris) Draper practice, watch clips on video, try to learn little tricks,'' Miller said.
