Sabres’ Game 1 Starter Is Obvious

Even more impressively, he has built momentum and kicked his game into a higher level since the league returned from the Olympic break. Of goalies to start at least seven games in that stretch, Luukkonen sixth in save percentage with a .924 mark, fourth in goals against average (2.25), and is tied for fifth in the league with nine wins over that span.

In 12 starts since the league resumed play, Luukkonen has allowed two goals or less nine times. With the Sabres in a three-way race for the Atlantic Division crown, he will likely start three of those games, allowing him to continue his momentum going into the playoffs.

Lyon’s Recent Struggles

Lyon is also in the midst of a career season, just one win away from his career best (21). His 20-10-4 record, including an incredible 10 consecutive road wins, has been one of the primary reasons the Sabres are competing for a division title.

That said, he has struggled of late. Over his last three starts, he is 0-2-1, allowing 13 goals over that stretch. That’s not to say he’s been terrible – he made a few huge saves late in a back-and-forth affair with the Anaheim Ducks that allowed the team to climb back into the game.

There isn’t a huge chasm between Luukkonen and Lyon, but their level of play of late has been slowly separating. Lyon has the personality and tenacity to do just fine in the playoffs, but it does feel like he has cooled off to a noticeable degree.

Luukkonen Playing with Calm Confidence

There is a noticeable difference in the style of play that Luukkonen brings to the table compared to Lyon. The latter has a bit more of a frenetic energy to his game while Luukkonen carries himself with a calm confidence that upper-echelon goalies typically have.

His rebound season is also incredible given how often he was tied to trade scenarios throughout the summer and beginning of the season. He has responded by matching his breakout season and having an even bigger impact than ever before.

That calmness and confidence could be huge for a team like the Sabres in the playoffs. This group is excitable and inexperienced, which could lead to some early yips. Having Luukkonen back there to calmly back them up will be huge, especially in the opening minutes of the series.

Riding the Hot Hand

Head coach Lindy Ruff will likely continue to play it by ear. He has ridden Luukkonen a little harder because he is the hot hand. If he thinks that subbing Lyon in will be beneficial, then a goalie change won’t be far away in the playoffs.

He and the Sabres have the luxury of knowing that their goaltending is reliable. It is a difference-maker in the way a team plays, and will be a huge factor in the Sabres’ first playoff run in a generation.