The Buffalo Sabres have continued to find a way to win, but face a big challenge on Wednesday night against the Dallas Stars. They are hoping to tie a franchise record with their 10th straight win and are going to have to rely on Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in net.
After practice on Tuesday, head coach Lindy Ruff said that Lyon suffered an injury towards the end of the Blues game. It appears that the team is preparing for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to start against the Stars, as he was in the starting net for practice.
Luukkonen starting a game on this road trip isn't overly surprising as Ruff did say that both would likely get a start on this currently three-game road trip. However, no one expected him to start due to Lyon suffering an injury.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has a tough challenge against the Dallas Stars
This is a big game for the Buffalo Sabres for obvious reasons as they try to tie a franchise record, but this is a pivotal game for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. He was expected to be the starter entering the season, but injuries set him back, and Lyon has been great.
Luukkonen has contributed during this win streak with wins over the New Jersey Devils and Boston Bruins, allowing only one goal in each game and a save percentage of .959.
However, the Dallas Stars are one of the best offensive teams in the league and currently are second in the league in goals per game at 3.49. They are also first in shooting percentage at 13.8%, which is a whole percentage point higher than the Montreal Canadiens.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen could make the Buffalo Sabres decision easy in solving the goaltender problem
The Buffalo Sabres still have three goalies on the roster and need to resolve that sooner rather than later. Colten Ellis is still on injured reserve, and if Lyon's injury is serious, they could have Ellis return in place of Lyon while he is out.
In addition to the injuries earlier this season. Luukkonen has really struggled away from KeyBank Center with a 1-4-1 record with a goals against average of 3.43 and a save percentage of only .866. This is a stark difference from his performance in home games, where he is 5-1 with a goals against average of 1.81 and a save percentage of .926.
However, once everyone is healthy, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen will have to move one of his three goalies. The big question for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is whether he can consistently win, both at home and on the road.
If he shows he can limit a good Dallas Stars team, that should give the Sabres the confidence to move forward with Luukkonen and Lyon.