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Kevyn Adams is right about the Buffalo Sabres goaltenders

By Sion Fawkes

Apr 11, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Devon Levi (27) makes a save during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Devon Levi (27) makes a save during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Sabres
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 15: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen #1 of the Buffalo Sabres tends net against the Washington Capitals during the second period of the game at Capital One Arena on March 15, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is better than you think

As for Luukkonen, he too will benefit. No, he won’t put up the same numbers as Levi. But you can also expect Luukkonen to at least hover around the league average in quality starts percentage, GAA, and save percentage with better defense in front of him.

He showed that potential back in 2021-22 when he secured a 2.74 GAA and a 0.917 save percentage, plus a 0.556 quality starts percentage. And it’s safe to say the Buffalo Sabres were nowhere near as good of a hockey team as they are today.

He also showed it last season between December 15th and January 31st when he finished 10-2-1, recorded a 2.88 GAA, and logged a 0.917 save percentage, per Quant Hockey. Luukkonen’s efforts earned him Rookie of the Month honors, and although he backtracked from there, it showed us the Buffalo Sabres have a goaltender who could be the long-term answer as a 1B.

Again, Luukkonen will never be Devon Levi. Few young goaltenders in the league today will. But he’s done more than enough to warrant trust from Kevyn Adams.

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