Luukkonen’s Impressive Season: Reflection on Buffalo Sabres’ Breakout Player

Lindy Ruff was asked about his excitement regarding the Buffalo Sabres’ roster, which includes talented players such as 30-goal scorers and first-overall draft picks. Ruff expressed his immediate focus on the team’s goaltenders, stating that goaltending is crucial for every club. The Sabres’ general manager, Kevyn Adams, had a strong belief that the goaltending position was a strength for the team, with promising netminders Devon Levi and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in the fold.

Levi started the season in the NHL and has performed exceptionally with the Rochester Americans, ranking second among qualified AHL goaltenders with a .927 save percentage in 26 games. Luukkonen, on the other hand, had a career year for the Sabres, starting a career-high 54 games and achieving impressive stats, including tying for fifth in the NHL with five shutouts and ranking ninth among qualified goaltenders with a 2.57 goals-against average. Luukkonen’s .910 save percentage also placed him ninth among goaltenders with at least 50 games played, marking the lowest goals-against average by a Sabres goaltender with at least 50 games played since Ryan Miller in 2011-12.

Additionally, his 27 wins and five shutouts were the most for a Sabres goaltender in a single season since Miller as well.