While I’m all but convinced this 2024-25 season is already a lost cause, it’s still worth mentioning that Game No. 41 for the Sabres is going on tonight against the Washington Capitals. Yeah, that means the doors haven’t technically closed on the 2024-25 season, even if that’s the way things are looking right now.
Lately, I’ve been talking about players like Rasmus Dahlin, who must step up and play perfect hockey from here on out, starting this past weekend against the Vegas Golden Knights. Others, like Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch, also need to step up.
But, let’s go over a few names you may not have heard much about who would also do well to play some sound hockey from now until April. If all three names listed below stepped up besides those mentioned above, maybe a miracle run is in order…maybe…
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
There is nothing enticing about Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s stat line this season. But it’s not bad, considering the way the Blue and Gold’s defense has yet again hit a snag. Still, players of Luukkonen’s caliber have got to give us more if he’s looking to be a perennial top-15 goaltender.
Despite the long season, Luukkonen has 15 quality starts and a 0.536 quality starts percentage under him so far. The downside is that he’s also struggled through seven ‘really bad starts,’ and that’s a massive blemish on his overall performance this season. No, not all of that is on him, but it’s time for us to witness some heroics.
Owen Power
Owen Power was having a decent season, but he’s getting dangerously close to averaging just a half-point per game, with 22 of them in 40 contests. Since December 14th, and heading into tonight’s game against the Capitals, Power has just three points, so he’s been on an ultra-cold streak lately.
The former No. 1 overall pick must gain more consistency if he’s planning on living to his draft hype. In three seasons, he’s been good, but it would be premature to say Power has played up to his status, which should involve taking over games and playing consistent, three-zone hockey.
Ryan McLeod
Ryan McLeod has under a half-point per game, but he’s proven to be a decent acquisition in his half-season here. With six goals and 18 points, plus a 15.8 shooting percentage, McLeod could probably put a few more pucks in the net if he just took more shots.
Right now, he’s 14th on the team with 86. But with his overall speed skating ability, plus an accurate shot when he decides to take them, McLeod is playing a notch or two under his potential. Let’s hope we see more offense from him between now and mid-April.