The Buffalo Sabres are off to a modest 1-1 start in their first two games this season. There’s absolutely nothing to worry about.
But there might be in starting netminder Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen doesn’t find his groove.
The 27-year-old has played both games thus far, but hasn’t really overwhelmed anyone. He’s currently posting a 4.03 goals against average and a .784 save percentage. Those are hardly numbers that will ease the angst of Sabres fans.
But when looking at the bigger picture, there might be a positive trend in the right direction.
Luukkonen and the Sabres dropped their season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets in a tough 6-3 defeat on the road.
The club did come back on Saturday night to drop the Chicago Blackhawks in their Home Opener, 4-3. That’s the sort of trend Luukkonen and the Sabres will need to continue, lest trade talk really begin to creep in.
The Finnish goalie was already the subject of speculation, as he was believed to be one of the pieces GM Jarmo Kekalainen offered for Connor Hellebuyck. Luukkonen then reportedly changed his no-trade list to specifically block a trade to Winnipeg.
That situation shows a commitment on everyone’s part. However, it also adds to the pressure on Luukkonen to bounce back this season.
Much of Sabres’ success rides on UPL
While it would be unfair to stake the Sabres’ season on Luukkonen’s shoulders, the bottom line is that much of the team’s success depends on him.
If Luukkonen truly struggles this season, the Sabres will need to figure out a solution to the overall situation. That could mean a trade, and it could also mean a potential demotion.
The problem, however, is that there really isn’t anyone who can take over. Backup Alex Lyon, who’s currently on the shelf, can carry the load for short stretches. Meanwhile, third-stringer Colten Ellis still hasn’t proven he can handle the full workload at the NHL level.
That’s why Luukkonen has to work out. Unless Kekalainen can figure out a way to land Hellebuyck, it’s Luukkonen or bust.
Yes, it’s still early in the season. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it's that a slow start is almost impossible to overcome, or requires a remarkable run to do so. The Sabres will need to get on a bit of a hot streak sooner rather than later if they are to build on last year’s success.
For everyone’s sake, Luukkonen has to emerge as a clear-cut No. 1 guy for the Sabres. The options out there, unfortunately, aren’t too enticing.
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