
3 – Can Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen finally pass a test?
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is on the ropes, and there is no doubt that this is the biggest test of his career. Sure, it’s only a preseason game, but roster spots are won and lost in the preseason, and there is no way Luukkonen helps his cause with a poor performance.
Even if he plays well tonight, there is still no guarantee Luukkonen sticks around if the Buffalo Sabres would see more value in keeping a 14th forward or an eighth blueliner. If Luukkonen plays poorly, then perhaps he becomes an unexpected addition in Rochester, assuming he clears waivers.
If Luukkonen wants to put himself in the best position to find a spot on the 23-man roster, then he needs to go out there and play a stellar game. Again, this isn’t saying an outstanding performance guarantees anything, but at least he will have the satisfaction of knowing he did everything in his power to make an impression.