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So Miller as starter, Markstrom as backup? Why would it be any other way initially?

Another 45 or 50 games this season sounds about right for Miller. But he and Markstrom will dictate with their play how much Desjardins plays them.

Thursday, in his pre-camp news conference alongside Benning, the coach said: “Ryan Miller is a good goaltender. He played good all the way through (last season) and he deserves to be our starter. Last year, Jacob Markstrom … took huge steps. He’s pushing. How hard he’s going to push, we’ll see as the year goes. I think it’s the way it should be coming into camp. The thing for us to just make sure we keep both guys on board and both guys going hard.”

As for Benning, who never attached a games-played figure to his assertion that Miller’s the man, the GM clarified: “He’s our No. 1 but it will be up to Willie and the coaching staff and the players. Whoever is playing good is going to get the games. We’re not going to put numbers on how much each guy is going to play. It’s up to them.”

Just as it should be, as Miller wants it to be.

“I think it’s natural,” Miller said of the goaltending discussion in Vancouver. “Marky’s made good strides the last few years and has increased his experience level. At the same time, I feel like I can play at a high level, I’m healthy and prepared to do the job. I don’t think anything has been handed to me.

“It is nice to hear that (support) from Jim and I know the coaches and the staff have faith in all the guys they bring in. It’s nice to hear that, but I fully understand that I need to perform. You’ve got to feel that you’re earning your ice time. And if you’re not, somebody else will be happy to take it.”