For the first time in the playoffs, the Sabres are a game down. They've lost two straight games in the second round against the Montreal Canadiens and are now behind 2-1 in the series. During the two losses they have allowed 11 goals.
Alex Lyon was one of the main reasons they got into the postseason and the change to him as the starter was the difference in the opening series against the Bruins. What has occurred against the Habs is not entirely his fault.
He had 31 saves in the Game 3 loss. But allowing that many goals over the past two games is an issue. They need to clean up their defense and get back quicker when they miss on the offensive end.
Lindy Ruff made a goalie change the last series. Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen was struggling the opening round against the Bruins and Ruff went with Lyon, who provided steady play and a spark for the team.
If Ruff looks to make a change, he may want to look at a different goalie than Luukkonen or Lyon, though. He may wish to activate the third goalie on the roster.
Colten Ellis should be an option to start for the Sabres in Game 4
The young goalie has not dressed yet for the playoffs but the Sabres would do well to consider giving him the start. During the regular season, he went 8-4-2 with a save percentage of .903.
Outside of his strong performance in a sporadic role, Ellis is a bit younger than Luukkonen and his youth may provide the spark for the team and defenders need in terms of looking to clean up the traffic in front of the net.
If the Sabres went with Ellis, it may even just be a one-off switch. A win would give them a boost and allow Lyon to get some rest and they could return to him in Game 5 or for the rest of the postseason if Buffalo was concerned about the former St. Louis Blues prospect's limited experience.
Going with Luukkonen, who struggled considerably against Boston, may provide some controversy at a time the Sabres need to avoid distraction and focus on what is front of them.
The team is young and shows a lot of promise beyond this season. Checking to see how Ellis does in a pressure situation will give them much to consider as they determine if he could be a long-term backup for Lyon or Luukkonen for next year with roster changes on the horizon in the offseason.
It is time for the Sabres to dig their skates in and try to retake control of the series. Getting a much needed jolt between the pipes with a young goalie may be the way to do it.
Add us as a preferred source on Google