Buffalo Sabres: A sincere apology to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
By Zach Jezioro
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been very impressive as of late. As a result, it’s to say apologies are in order.
Remember in my last mailbag article when I said that Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko Pekka Luukkonen wasn’t performing how Sabres fans thought he would? He must have read the article because during the last couple of games, he has played very well.
Looking at his stats so far this season, UPL is 5-3-1 with a save percentage of .891 and a goals against average of 3.44. Even though the numbers are not that impressive, I want to focus on the last two games against the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights.
Starting off with the Avalanche game, he allowed only two goals against the defending Stanley Cup champions and made 39 saves on 41 shots faced in the Sabres 4-2 victory. After having a 3-0 lead, Buffalo found themselves in trouble during the final frame.
Colorado would score two straight goals and would have most likely gave up more if it wasn’t for Ukko. He was absolutely outstanding and was the main reason why the Sabres won the game. After beating the defending champs, Luukkonen’s next game was against the best team in the Western Conference this season, the Golden Knights.
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen coming into his own
Buffalo would get another 3-0 lead and once again, they would give up two straight goals in the third period. In the third frame, the Knights outshot the Sabres 23-5. UPL was absolutely incredible and stopped a huge penalty shot as well.
He would have 41 saves in the victory. In the Avalanche game, and an SV% of .951 while his SV% in the Vegas game was .953. So UPL, I am sorry about how I said you were underperforming. Even though the Sabres were winning, he was not looking like someone who would be in the NHL for the long run.
Related Story. Sabres: 3 reasons Luukkonen’s third period was one for the ages. light
To his credit, he has been sensational for the Sabres and hopefully he can keep it going as the Sabres look to continue a nice month of December. What will be interesting is what will happen with him once Eric Comrie is healthy.
Want your voice heard? Join the Sabre Noise team!