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Buffalo Sabres: Eric Comrie’s small sample size may predict success

By Sion Fawkes

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - JANUARY 21: Eric Comrie #1 of the New Jersey Devils skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum on January 21, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - JANUARY 21: Eric Comrie #1 of the New Jersey Devils skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum on January 21, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Eric Comrie might be the favorite to start in the net for the Buffalo Sabres. And history shows his small sample size indicates a successful future.

Here is an opening night scenario: Eric Comrie starts at goaltender, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is the backup, and Craig Anderson is a healthy scratch. As you know, both Comrie and Luukkonen played in a combined 32 games last season, with the latter hopping in and playing well for the Buffalo Sabres until an injury forced him to miss time.

But today, let’s focus on Comrie, and why history shows that his small sample size in the NHL indicates success in the net for Buffalo. You can also use the same argument for Luukkonen, despite his struggles in Rochester. But I’m focusing on Comrie here simply because I feel he holds the edge over Luukkonen.

Buffalo Sabres
Mar 31, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Winnipeg Jets goaltender Eric Comrie (1) goes to make a save against Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares (91) during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

History shows goaltenders with small NHL sample sizes succeed with the Buffalo Sabres

Some in the Buffalo Sabres faithful were confused as to why their team would go after Comrie when there were several more experienced goalies out there. Guys like Jack Campbell and Darcy Kuemper were available. The Sabres also could have traded for Ville Husso, which is what their division rival, the Detroit Red Wings, did five days before free agency opened.

Yet, the Sabres went with a goaltender who played in just 28 games, starting 24 of them. Comrie’s career stats are also not eye-popping, sitting at 13-10-1, with a 0.905 save percentage and a 3.06 GAA. Not horrific stats, but nothing compared to Kuemper’s 0.918 career save percentage and 2.48 GAA. Or Campbell, whose career statistics are identical to Kuemper’s at 0.916 in the save percentage column with a 2.53 GAA.

But when you look at some of the best goaltenders in team history, Comrie’s small, average sample size is in pretty good company. Let’s look at two goaltenders the Sabres took a chance on whose experience level was close to what Comrie’s is in 2022.

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