There are many reasons that the Buffalo Sabres are riding their first four-game winning streak of the season. It has a welcome change of pace after many changes off the ice. On the ice, one of the main reasons is the play between the pipes at goalie.
All four victories were with Alex Lyon as the goalie. It may show why the Sabres brought him this offseason and why he may be the starter throughout the rest of the season if the Sabres continue to play strong.
Lyon made 24 saves against the Flyers for the fourth straight victory for him and the team
It was his play in the first period after the Flyers had the advantage and were outshooting the Sabres throughout the opening twenty minutes. They were only tied 1-1. If the Flyers had gone ahead, it may not have led to victory.
Lyon was assisted on the night by five blocks from Alex Tuch and six hits from Beck Malenstyn. The statistics show more though as players are willing to fight if they know they have a chance when it comes to who is at goalie.
That's why the last four games could be a sway in the season for a team who still has a chance to slowly move up in the standings.
Against the Canucks on December 11, the 33 year old goalie had 32 saves, helping the Sabres pull 3-2 win. It was a valuable win and two more points that Lyon has assisted the Sabres in getting as the end of 2025 nears.
The Sabres have not had a goalie who has maintained much consistency since the fanbase saw the likes of Ryan Miller. Lyon is getting up there in age but if he can continue to play clutch between the pipes he could be the goalie for the next few seasons.
Helping lead the Sabres to a four game winning streak is a step in securing his place as the starter. Other teams have begun to make inquires into Lyon. It will be interesting to see which way the next front office leans.
Alex Lyon could be the reason the Sabres break through to the postseason as evidenced by the last four games
However, if they falter yet again, he could allow them to gain valuable draft capital. He may be a name to watch in either direction as the season continues.
Whichever goalie is the primary starter in the season the Sabres get to the postseason will be remember fondly by all of Western New York.