Luukkonen Ready When Called Upon

As December nears, the Buffalo Sabres are heading into a critical stretch of games where gaining points in the standings is a must. In the goal crease, the team continues to use three netminders, Ukko-Pekka-Luukkonen, Alex Lyon and Colten Ellis.

While Luukonen is being paid number-one goaltender dollars at $4.75 million for another three seasons, all three at the position have delivered strong performances this season.

Head Coach Lindy Ruff has appeared to have adopted a strategy of starting the winning goalie in the next game. This means that members of the trio may be on the shelf for an extended period waiting for their next chance. This juggling act continues while top prospect Devon Levi plays in Rochester and waits for his chance.

As injured players return to the lineup, the roster moves become more challenging. Veteran Alexander Giorgiev, who has also been a backup for the Amerks, had his contract terminated, yet the organizational goal crease still remains crowded.

A trade could well be in the offing, as keeping three goaltenders sharp at the NHL level is challenging.

Luukkonen has started and won two consecutive games. Although he isn’t happy with the log jam in the net, he is working to make the best of the situation and help the team win.

“It’s part of the job. When your name gets called, you have to be ready for it” said Luukkonen. “The team has been playing well in front of me. It feels good to help the team win, too.”

How far will doing what is best for the team go for Luukkonen, who clearly wants to be the number one netminder?

“It’s not always optimal, but sometimes you have to work through that”, said Luukkonen. Having two other good goalies who have been playing well. So you have to do your things as well as you can and be ready when your name is called.”

“It’s not my call. As long as we keep winning, that’s the biggest thing right now. It’s up to the coaching staff and everybody to make those calls.”