This offseason, the Buffalo Sabres made a play and a move to bring in a steady hand at goalie to compete with those already on their roster. It seems they may have found more than that as Alex Lyon continues to play world-classic hockey this season.
Against the New York Islanders on Saturday, he made 26 saves, engineering a shutout and winning his ninth straight content between the pipes. But his performance goes beyond the stats and demonstrates what the Sabres need for the future.
In terms of short term, Lyon's performance continues to be a reason for the Sabres to stay optimistic for the rest of this year. Since Ryan Miller's departure, they haven't found an answer for longer than a season at goalie.
Different goaltenders have had moments for a game, a month or full season but none have been able to become the consistent player needed for the Sabres to make a sustained run over multiple years. Lyon may be that anchor.
Alex Lyon signed a two-year contract but may be due for a long extension given the success of him and the Sabres
He is older than most of the team at 33 but having a veteran between the pipes to mold the defense and be involved in the Sabres turnaround could be vital.
He has 12 wins on the year and clearly was missed when he was out of the lineup. Imagine if he could mold either Colten Ellis or Devon Levi into the goaltenders the Sabres may hope they become.
If he leads to them a postseason berth and then is a mentor for a stable goaltender for the next five-plus years, the signing this offseason could be an important one.
New management could also look at him playing out his contract for the next two seasons and making either Ellis or Levi the presumed primary. If that happens it will be interesting to see if he plays to be a mentor or a new contract with another team.
The Sabres have a little over two weeks before the Olympic break. If Lyon adds to his winning streak, they may be looking at all options when it comes to him and the goalie room.
They are good options though as opposed to not knowing what to do around the trade deadline. Now Alex Lyon could be a name remembered with Miller and other famous goalies who have donned the Sabres colors, and led them to postseason glory.