The Buffalo Sabres need to make a decision between the pipes. Alex Lyon and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen seem to be brewing a battle for the starting position. But that brings up who will backup. Both have a case to start and may take issue as the backup to the other.
Meanwhile, Colten Ellis has made one start so far for the Sabres. He won his NHL debut for Buffalo, making 29 saves. Now, he can only hope to get more time on the ice. It will be important for the Sabres to find an opening to get him back in for a start.
The reason being, he could be a reliable backup to either Lyon or Luukkonen. The Sabres have struggled the last few years to find reliable backups to their starting goalie.
Due to injuries and inconsistent play, they have previously turned to Rochester and Devon Levi, but they need to find a consistent NHL backup. Could that be Ellis?
Colten Ellis had a save percentage of .935 in his NHL debut, so it should lead to another start
Lyon should be back in for a start this week if Lindy Ruff doesn't decide to go with Luukkonen. The Sabres need to slowly bring back Luukkonen after his injury issues the last few years.
Resting Luukkonen even longer could allow him to return to form. It would be also give the Sabres time to see if Lyon is the guy as opposed to their starter from a year ago.
It also should allow Ellis to return as a starter for a game or two to give him some more playing time. The Sabres need to do this to figure out what they have in the young goalie. He is 25 and just made his NHL debut.
Lyon is entering his 30s and could be the short-term solution if Luukkonen either regresses or gets injured again.
If Ellis makes another start and performs well they could find a trade partner to move Luukkonen if they want to go with Lyon. However, if he has two more starts and does not perform on par, it will give them reason to potentially put Ellis back on waivers.
Goalie by committee could be the answer, but they need to know who those goalies are. They need to make that decision in November or December instead of later on when the playoff push begins.
One start for Ellis would be a step in the right direction for that determination. Two would be vital to give Lindy Ruff and Co. the tape they need to make a decision, though.