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Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen boasts an impeccable track record vs. Avalanche

By Sion Fawkes

Dec 3, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (1) makes a glove save during the first period against the Nashville Predators at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (1) makes a glove save during the first period against the Nashville Predators at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Barring a curveball, it looks like the Buffalo Sabres will start Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen tonight against the Colorado Avalanche. 

It looks like goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will be making his first start since December 3rd, as an illness kept him out of action for the past 10 days. Devon Levi stepped in during the 24-year-old’s absence and was nothing short of brilliant, but Luukkonen’s recent track record has also been something to like, especially when it comes to playing against the Colorado Avalanche.

Nearly 365 days ago, Luukkonen skated into Ball Arena and put on a legendary performance, stopping 39 of 41 shots on goal, good for a 0.951 save percentage This performance came just two weeks after Luukkonen allowed five goals and posted a 0.848 save percentage in a loss at home to Colorado.

Then came the contest earlier this season, when the 24-year-old recorded a shutout in just his second start and third game of the season. Since that shutout win, Luukkonen has posted a 0.923 save percentage or better in seven of his last 10 appearances, so the way things are looking, he could enjoy another huge outing tonight.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has sensational recent history against Colorado

Luukkonen will have some help in this game, too, as winger Alex Tuch and blueliner Mattias Samuelsson are slated to return to the lineup after they each missed Monday’s contest vs. the Arizona Coyotes. This also means the Buffalo Sabres are one step closer to getting completely healthy, as they have also been missing Tuch since December 3rd when he injured his hamstring.

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Jordan Greenway and Zemgus Girgensons still won’t be dressing, but given the newly-acquired Eric Robinson’s performances since he became a member of the Sabres, he has provided a remarkable consolation prize. Therefore, with the current pieces in place, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen may once again put up another unforgettable performance against the Colorado Avalanche.

Source: Game Preview | 5 things to know ahead of Sabres at Avalanche by Jourdon LaBarber, Sabres.com

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)

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