The Buffalo Sabres top netminder, Ukko-Pekka-Luukkonen, returning to the ice this week, is a welcome addition to the team’s training camp. Luukkonen is recovering from injury; he missed the start of camp and the club’s first four exhibition games. The 26-year-old is happy to return to the ice.
“It was fun,” said Luukkonen. “It does suck when you’re kind of skating on your own. That’s kind of the best part of the training camp, always to play with the guys and skate with the guys so it was really fun to be on the ice.”
The uncertainty regarding Luukkonen’s status prompted Buffalo to sign free agent goalie Alexander Georgiev. Although the injury is still being dealt with, participating in practice is good news for the Sabres and Luukonen.
“It’s just a lower body thing which kind of flared up at the end of the summer,” explained Luukkonen. “We’ve just been trying to get it under control and get me back on the ice. It’s feeling better now, and the skate felt good.”
A pivotal season is ahead for the organization and its starting goaltender. Luukkonen is looking to return to the form he showed in the second half of the 23-24 season. For the Sabres, staying in the hotly contested Eastern Conference playoff race is a must.
“It’s really unfortunate” stated Luukkonen. “I felt I had a good summer, felt I’m gonna get a spot. Kind of working on the things I wanted to work on.”
“Having that kind of thing happen and go through that during the training camp, it always sucks. Just overall, I think it’s a big year for me. It’s not the kind of thing you want to go through, but stuff like this happens, and you’ve just gotta do your best to fight through it.”
Head coach Lindy Ruff is hopeful Luukkonen will be healthy enough to make a preseason appearance prior to opening night on October 9th.
The Sabres will need improved goaltending to get off to a good start. Luukonen, at his best, gives the team its best chance to take a step forward this season.
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