In order for the Buffalo Sabres to be a factor in the postseason chase this season, goaltending must improve. With a top three finish in the Atlantic Division likely out of reach, the Sabres aim to overachieve enough to contend for the lower wildcard spot in the East.
To remain in contention, the play between the pipes must improve. Not for a game here and there. Not for a hot spell that lasts a week or two. The goalies have to be much more consistent. The biggest question heading into the season is which version of netminder Ukko-Pekka-Luukonen will Buffalo be getting?
Sabres know Luukkonen has talent, but lacks consistency
The twenty-six year old native of Espoo, Finland delivered just twenty-four wins in fifty-five games played in 2024-25. The Sabres showed a commitment to Luukonen in July of 2024 when they signed the 6 foot, five inch, two-hundred-twenty-three pound goaltender to a five year 23.75 million dollar contract.
The club will be looking for Luukonen to regain the form he showed in the second half of the 23-24 season. He finished that season with a winning record of twenty-seven victories, twenty-two losses and four overtime losses.
What will Sabres do if he falters?
In July, Buffalo signed free agent goalie Alex Lyon to a two-year contract with an average annual value of 1.5 million dollars. Lyon posted winning numbers in each of the last two seasons for the Detroit Red Wings. In addition, Lyon helped guide the Florida Panthers to a playoff berth in the late stages of the 22-23 campaign.
If Luukonen is slow out of the gate, the Sabres will turn to Lyon to run with the 1A role. Additionally, Buffalo also has Devon Levi waiting in the wings. After two strong seasons of anchoring the crease for the Rochester Americans, Levi will likely earn some appearances with the Sabres this season.
Competition could bring out the best in all three netminders, creating a best case scenario for Buffalo. For the Sabres to be in the playoff conversation next spring the goals against numbers will have to improve.
Buffalo is paying starting goaltending dollars to Luukonen. His ability to live up to that contract will go a long way toward determining the fortunes of the Buffalo Sabres this season.
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