The Buffalo Sabres' best player through five games isn't Rasmus Dahlin or Tage Thompson. It's Alex Lyon, the journeyman goaltender who didn't generate much fanfare when he signed a two-year contract with the organization early in free agency.
Lyon, thrust into the starting role because of an injury to incumbent starter Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, has been nothing short of terrific for the Blue and Gold. He pitched a 32-save shutout in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Florida Panthers, which raised his save percentage to .928.
The 32-year-old Yale product's track record (.903 career SV%) suggests he probably won't maintain this level for the entire 2025-26 season, but he should retain the top spot on the depth chart for as long as he's stopping pucks at an elite rate, regardless of UPL's status.
That sets the stage for our latest installment of the Sabres player grades series, which unsurprisingly sees Lyon atop the list at this early point in the campaign.
Alex Lyon paces Buffalo Sabres in player grades for Oct. 18 win over the Florida Panthers
Sabres grades
Player | Grade (1-10) |
|---|---|
Alex Lyon | 10 |
Josh Doan | 9.5 |
Owen Power | 8 |
Zach Benson | 7.5 |
Tage Thompson | 7.5 |
Conor Timmins | 7 |
Jiri Kulich | 6.5 |
Rasmus Dahlin | 6.5 |
Peyton Krebs | 6.5 |
Ryan McLeod | 6 |
Alex Tuch | 6 |
Mattias Samuelsson | 5.5 |
Jason Zucker | 5.5 |
Bowen Byram | 5 |
Jacob Bryson | 5 |
Tyson Kozak | 4.5 |
Jack Quinn | 4.5 |
Beck Malenstyn | 3.5 |
Mason Geertsen | 1 |
Buffalo Player of the Game: Alex Lyon
Lyon ranks fourth in the NHL in goals saved above average (5.0) and his 156 saves lead all NHL goalies, per Natural Stat Trick. He also sports a remarkable .980 SV% on the penalty kill, which is the best mark among goaltenders who've faced at least 15 PK shots.
The Minnesota native has brought a sense of calm between the pipes. The stability was a welcome sight, especially during the Sabres' three-game losing streak to open the season. He kept those games close, preventing the squad from suffering some embarrassing blowouts.
Lyon's strong play has persisted as the players around him elevated their games, which led to Buffalo's wins over the Panthers and Ottawa Senators. It's allowed the Sabres to silence the early criticism and refocus on the long game as they attempt to break a 14-year playoff drought.
Luukkonen recently returned to practice and should be available in the near future, barring any further setbacks after a pair of preseason injuries. His lackluster play last season (.887 SV%) means he should handle the backup role until Lyon's play drops off, if it does.
Sabres quick hits
- Josh Doan is a dawg, and he's been the Sabres' best skater through five games. His relentless motor and willingness to get to the most dangerous areas of the ice is a great sign.
- Conor Timmins has stepped up in a major way for the Buffalo defense, especially on the penalty kill, as the group deals with a rash of injuries.
- Jacob Bryson received a neutral grade because he left the game early due to injury and was placed in the NHL's concussion protocol.
- Neither Tage Thompson nor Rasmus Dahlin are playing at the peak of their powers so far.
- Bowen Byram has been incredibly quiet in the first handful of games. The Sabres need him to start generating more offense, especially in transition.
- Peyton Krebs is more effective playing lower in the lineup. Keep him out of the top six.
- Mason Geertsen didn't deliver any meaningful response after the Panthers' Brad Marchand attacked Dahlin. He's a wasted lineup spot.
- The Sabres are back in action Monday night when they visit the Bell Centre to take on the Atlantic Division rival Montreal Canadiens.