Buffalo Sabres’ Luukkonen secures victory over Sharks with 28-save shutout

In the first period of the game, Luukkonen made seven saves. Both teams started off slowly, possibly due to the team missing practice on Sunday because of a winter storm and not having a morning skate before the Monday matinee. Despite the slow start, Luukkonen played exceptionally well and set the tone for the game. Granato acknowledged his performance, stating that Luukkonen was the only player who had their legs under them in the beginning.

To ignite a more direct game from his players, Granato made line changes during the first period, as well as later in the second and third periods. One of the changes involved putting rookie Zach Benson alongside Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch, while Casey Mittelstadt shifted between Jordan Greenway and Eric Robinson. This line change seemed to provide a spark for the team. Benson, Thompson, and Tuch had a strong offensive-zone possession on the opening shift of the second period, which gave the Sabres momentum that they carried throughout the rest of the game.

Mittelstadt praised Thompson and Tuch, referring to them as the team’s “horses” who set the tone for the team. He credited their strong play for starting the momentum in the game. Luukkonen also played a crucial role by making big saves when needed. Both the strong play of Thompson, Tuch, and Luukkonen, as well as the line changes made by Granato, contributed to the team’s success in the game.