DETROIT —

wants the Detroit Red Wings to rely on him for offense, especially when they are depleted by injuries.

Miller had a career-high three points (one goal, two assists) and a career-best plus-4 rating in Saturday’s 6-5 overtime victory against Columbus. He was not productive the first half of the season but is picking up the pace, with five points in the past three games.

“The first part of the season, I kind of put that behind me, point-wise, and I’m looking ahead to the next 40 games,” Miller said. “I want to get more points and be more offensive. That’s my goal for the second half, to get more points and continue to be solid defensively, be counted on to be a more safe, reliable player.”

The checking-line winger and penalty killer provided an unexpected boost last season with career highs in goals (10) and points (19). That is why he wasn’t happy to have one goal and five assists in the first 35 games.

“Millsie didn’t start the year great. He was minus. He wasn’t scoring,” coach

said. “Suddenly, he’s got his confidence and his role. He’s been an important guy for us for two years and we expect good things from him.”

Missing Tomas Holmstrom because of a broken hand, Babcock played Miller on the top line, with

and

, for a few shifts Saturday. He then moved Miller to the third line, with

and

, and put

on the top line.

“Millsie really skates good. I wanted to get skating right off the hop and then I was going to go to Patrick,” Babcock said. “Patrick can really shoot the puck. When you’re playing with Mule (Franzen) and Z (Zetterberg), you’re bound to have opportunities to shoot the puck.

“Millsie’s been real good with Helm and Draper, or Helm and Eaves, for two years now.”

Miller wants to be a versatile player who isn’t out of place on a scoring line.

“Whatever line you’re on, get out there and play my game and try to create some havoc in the offensive zone and work hard,” Miller said. “I pride myself on being able to play with any line. It’s something you got to do to stick on the team and play different roles.”

The club’s third and fourth lines have provided energy while injuries mount.

“We’re getting a lot more ice time. We’re getting to feel the puck, getting more confidence,” Helm said. “(Miller) is no different. He’s just playing well and playing with confidence.”

Said Miller: “The same thing happened last year. Guys got hurt and the same guys were able to step up and get the team through the games until our big players came back.”

Odds & ends

• The Red Wings likely won’t face Sidney Crosby on Tuesday when they visit the Pittsburgh Penguins. The NHL’s leading scorer has missed five games with a concussion and hasn’t begun physical activity.

• Babcock, on defenseman

, who had a goal, an assist and a plus-3 rating Saturday: “He’s better when he plays with urgency, like most people, when he really tries to dictate the game and play with authority. He’s got lots of skills. We just keep challenging him to get better.”

• Columbus forward R.J. Umberger: “Detroit is a team that is strong in its system. They’ve got a lot of skill, but it’s being true to their system that wins for them. Sometimes, you almost can’t tell them apart when they are playing so well in their system. ... They’ve got a lot of guys out right now, but you can see other guys stepping up for them.”