Jason Pominville laughed at the story. Ryan Miller — his teammate for nine years, the

guy he used to ride buses with in the minor leagues — was interviewed this week by

"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest? And they talked about Miller's actress girlfriend?

"I've got to hear that interview somehow," a chuckling Pominville said Thursday, "but good

for him if he can get on there."

Miller's rapid ascent to celebrity status certainly has some Buffalo Sabres teammates

astonished. What doesn't have them the least bit shocked is why people are flocking to Miller.

The goaltender has been the best hockey player in the Olympics, leading the United States into

the semifinals today against Finland.

"I'm not surprised by the way he's been playing," Sabres goalie Patrick Lalime said after

Thursday's practice. "He's been our backbone all year, and I think he's the best goalie in the

world right now. He's showing it to the world."

Added Pominville: "It's kind of what you expect in Ryan. He's stepping his game up even more

in the Olympics."

Miller has been getting interview requests in Vancouver and headlines across the globe with

his stellar netminding. He is 4-0 for the Americans with a 1.25 goals-against average and .944

save percentage.

"People make a big deal of it, but it really isn't," Sabres left wing Thomas Vanek said. "We

know he was capable of doing that."

The folks in the Sabres' organization who have watched Miller since he was drafted in 1999

or played with him since 2002 see his run as a logical step in his game. He's always wanted to

excel and be elite. The 29-year-old is at a point where he can do just that.

"In having watched him since we drafted him, his biggest goal — the real nirvana for

him — has been achieving the highest standards possible," Buffalo goalie coach Jim Corsi

said. "The objective of Olympics, world championships, Stanley Cup, Vezina [Trophy] ... those

are rewards.

"He pushes himself to a point where he is the best he could possibly be in the small parts

of the game, the grand part of the game, and then the rewards come."

Miller has been among the NHL's best all season. He is second in gaa (2.16) and save

percentage (.930). Folks in NHL towns know all about him.

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When players excel on the world stage, however, that's when attention comes from all

over. It's why Miller is answering inquiries from Seacrest about girlfriend Noureen DeWulf (left) in

addition to questions about glove saves from the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

Lalime wouldn't reflect on Miller's off-ice celebrity, but he was quick to forecast the

goaltender's on-ice actions.

"I don't think he's done yet," Lalime said.