Sabre Noise
Fansided

4 surprises from the 2023/2024 Buffalo Sabres

By Zach Jezioro

Apr 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Zach Benson (9) celebrates after he
Apr 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Zach Benson (9) celebrates after he / Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
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Good: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen takes a leap forward

For the final good surprise, it was Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. He was phenomenal this season and gave the Sabres a chance when they were involved in the postseason race. He went 27-22-4 with a .910 save percentage and a goals-against average of 2.57. You can make a case for him to be a Vezina candidate, he was that good for Buffalo.

After a strong first half, fans were left wondering if this was the year he would together a complete season. In previous years, he would play well sometimes or just play well for the first half of the season. This year was a different story and I couldn't be happier for Ukko.

You can make an argument that he was the team's MVP and with him being due for a new contract, I expect Adams to make him a top priority in the offseason.