Buffalo Sabres fans will always remember goalies of the past like Dominik Hasek and Ryan Miller, and their play in the postseason. Now, it is finally time for them to move forward and look at what they in front of them as they prepare for the first round of the playoffs against the Boston Bruins.
It could be a battle between goalies as both teams have strong leaders looking to make an impact. Jeremy Swayman is the starter for the Bruins and it's Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen for the Sabres. There is no doubt that the Bruins have the edge at goalie in terms of experience.
Swayman has experience at goalie in the playoffs. Luukkonen has not a single playoff start in his career. For Swayman, he has several series in tournament hockey under his belt with the Bruins. Can and will that translate as they take on the Sabres in the opening round?
It may not be as important in the first few games but if the series goes the distance his time playing in April and May before could be huge for the Bruins.
Swayman has the track record and seemed to have rebounded after a down year last season, but will that carry into Boston's postseason run?
Meanwhile, Luukkonen has had an up and down season for Buffalo, but that arrow has been pointing up the last month. It has given him the edge as the team's starter and momentum is everything for any player or team as the race for the Stanley Cup.
Winner of the Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen vs. Jeremy Swayman battle will likely decide whether the Sabres or Bruins advance; Backups loom
The hot hand may be key for the series. Experience over potential is always a fun debate to have before the first game.
Yet, the numbers for this season are remarkably even, as UPL holds a slight save percentage advantage over Swayman (.909 to .907).
Meanwhile, if either starter cannot go, both teams have solid options at backup. The depth for the Sabres may give them the edge in that regard. Colten Ellis is on the rise, while Alex Lyon is solid.
Lyon's injury may keep him out and that would mean Ellis would have to step up. His recent shutout against the Columbus Blue Jackets was a promising indication.
Joonas Korpisalo for the Bruins will look to back up Swayman. He has a save percentage of .894 on the season, but that number has improved to .940 over his last three outings.
Sometimes the difference can be goalie in a series. Each team has goaltenders with unique skill sets and a different mindset as they enter the weekend, which creates an unpredictable variable as Buffalo and Boston prepare for what could be a long series.
Either way it be will be an exciting thing to watch throughout the next week.
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