Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is the Sabres clear-cut starter for this year. He has performed well thus far. However, over the grueling schedule one question, that will remain is if Devon Levi is up to the challenge of being his backup for the remainder of the year.
Levi has four starts on the year. He is 1-4 currently in the games he started between the pipes. He has a save percentage of .866%. His goals against average is 4.10.
In comparison, Luukkonen has a goals against average on 2.83 in 12 games. Levi has performed admirably but Lindy Ruff may be looking for more consistency if they need him to fill in for more games due to injury or a break from the starter.
Levi was the starter in Buffalo's first win on the year. It was a 5-2 win against the defending Stanley Cup champions, Florida Panthers and huge momentum boost for the club.
Devon Levi made 23 saves in the team's first win and his only on the year
The Sabres were down in the game 1-0 but rebounded due to the strong defensive performance. The 22-year-old made be a key save in the second period.
With Buffalo up 3-1 at the beginning of the second period, Florida went on the power play. Right winger, Mackie Samoskevich came strong on the right side but was stopped by Levi to secure the two-goal lead for the Sabres.
In the four losses, he has struggled though. He has allowed 13 goals in the four games. He also allowed two goals in relief of Luukkonen in the loss to Montreal.
Currently, Luukkonen is day-to-day after an injury in the loss to the Canadiens. Levi may be starting against the Panthers. But head coach Lindy Ruff did state the Luukkonen may be available so missing substantial time may not occur.
The Sabres opted to go with younger Levi over veteran James Reimer in the offseason. They could trade for or sign a third goalie if Levi continues to struggle.
Martin Jones, is a free agent at the moment and has been in the league since 2010. He was a starting goalie for the San Jose Sharks during the 2015/2016, when the Sharks advanced to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time.
If Buffalo continues to rely on Levi, he will need to improve when he is called upon. Against the Panthers will be a huge opportunity for him to prove his worth.