The Buffalo Sabers have had a rollercoaster ride through the first month of the regular season, starting the schedule with two three-game losing skids and a three-game winning streak. The club’s recent turnaround, including a 5-1 victory over Ottawa on Tuesday and a 6-1 victory over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, has been characterized by balanced scoring from their forward units. , an offensive contribution from their blue line and an excellent goaltender. from starter Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
“You get momentum, you want to keep it. There’s an area of your game that’s going to be very good a lot of times, whether it’s on special teams, whether it’s on defense.” Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said Saturday, “A lot of times the goalie can play a big role, you have to take advantage of that. »
Luukkonen has made 10 of the Sabres’ 14 starts this season (and should get the nod against Calgary on Saturday), is 5-4-1, 2.72 GAA and, over the last three games, has a winning percentage. .954 saves in the last three games.
“(Luukkonen) played well, I think it was a combination of (making) bigger saves at key moments and there were a few in the (Rangers) game,” Ruff said . “There was a shorthanded save, (it was) just a bad bounce that went to a one-timer that he read and made a great save on. Those are the kind of saves that help you win hockey games. »
Devon Levi was relegated to a backup role early in the season, and not getting regular work may be a contributing factor to his 1-3-0 record, 3.91 GAA and .878 save% in four departures.
Before the season, general manager Kevyn Adams and Ruff indicated they would need two goalies to help the club make the playoffs for the first time since 2011, but the lack of game action is something that led to speculation that Levi would get work. AHL Rochester while veteran James Reimer remained in Buffalo as Luukkonen’s backup.
That speculation ended with Reimer being claimed by Anaheim last month, but the veteran could be placed on waivers again as Ducks starter John Gibson was activated off injured reserve Friday. The Sabers could pick up the 34-year-old veteran for depth purposes and send him to Rochester, but if they do, the best course would be to keep him in the NHL and send Levi out to get regular work. will reappear.
Related: Sabres’ second line performs in win over Rangers
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