Top 3 concerns facing the Buffalo Sabres goaltenders in 2022
By Sion Fawkes
How many games can Craig Anderson realistically play this season?
In 2021-22, Craig Anderson was yet another goaltender in the Buffalo Sabres system that struggled with inconsistency and injuries. Though he had his moments, the then-40-year-old showed his age on multiple occasions.
Ideally, Anderson plays in no more than 15 games this season at age 41. But with Comrie projected to see extended ice time for the first time in his career, it is likely Anderson mans the net in at least two-dozen contests.
The only way I couldn’t see this happening would be if the Sabres kept Luukkonen on the active roster as a third goaltender. Something I would love to see happen, but logistically, this would only occur if he enjoys an outstanding camp and the Sabres feel he is ready for extended NHL action himself.
Realistically, I will grudgingly cap Anderson at 25 games, though everything in me is screaming this is too much for the aging goaltender. Especially since he missed time with injuries twice in 2021-22 after playing in just 31 games.
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Overall, Comrie will take advantage of seeing extended playing time, but ideally, he isn’t asked to start too many games in a row. Luukkonen should see a sense of urgency this year with Devon Levi and perhaps Erik Portillo on the cusp of signing following the 2022-23 NCAA Season. Finally, Anderson will likely see over 20 games of action, but he is better suited for less.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference and Hockey DB)