The Buffalo Sabres find themselves in an unusual situation, carrying three goaltenders on their roster. Between Alex Lyon, Colten Ellis, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Buffalo has options in a position that is open for the taking. There are so many question marks surrounding who will be trusted between the pipes consistently. With a solid start from Lyon and Ellis, on top of a returning Luukkonen, Buffalo has a difficult decision to make.
Alex Lyon has been excellent for the Sabres to start the season. With an injury sidelining Luukkonen, the Sabres have looked to Lyon to take on the majority of games so far. The 32-year-old veteran has risen to the challenge. Lyon has posted a .912 save percentage, a 2.90 goals against average, and a shutout across 9 games played.
In his postgame interview after beating Toronto, Lindy Ruff highlighted how Lyon was a major piece in the win, stating, “We got a huge save before a shorthanded goal.” Additionally, Ruff has spoken on how a big save can change a game, and credited Lyon for giving Buffalo those opportunities. Lyon has made it difficult for Lindy Ruff to sit him with his impressive start to the season and veteran presence in the net.
Backing up Alex Lyon to start the season has been Colten Ellis. Ellis has been one of the major storylines for the Sabres this season. Buffalo claimed the 25-year-old rookie goaltender off waivers from the St.Louis Blues. Ellis made his NHL debut with an impressive performance against the Detroit Red Wings. Posting a .935 save percentage, stopping 2 breakaways, robbing Alex DeBrincat, and only allowing 2 goals.
After his debut against Detroit, Ellis stated, “Everybody in here has realised the identity of this group. Playing for each other”. In his short time with the Sabres, Ellis has shown some impressive skills. In a situation like this, the common answer would be to send Ellis to Rochester. With the fear of St. Louis reclaiming him, Buffalo is put in a difficult situation, needing to keep him on the NHL roster.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen adds even more depth to the goaltending position, coming back from injury. Luukonen has been deemed “the starter” in Buffalo ever since signing a 5-year, $23.75 million contract in July of 2024. The 26-year-old Finnish goaltender has shown glimpses of greatness throughout his time in Buffalo. He quickly earned the starting goaltender job ahead of the 2024-25 season, but ended the season with an uncharacteristic .887 save percentage and a 24-24-5 record. Luukonen described his season debut overtime loss to the Leafs as “disappointing”. He was then asked about how it feels to be back, stating, “The best of this is to be back with the group”, and speaking on how “fun” it is to be back. Luukonen, entering the second year of his contract, looks to put his injury behind him and give Buffalo the best chance to win when in goal.
The Buffalo Sabres find themselves with plenty of depth between the pipes. As a result the opportunity for anyone to have a breakout performance and steal the starting role, Buffalo has a lot to be happy about when choosing between Lyon, Ellis, and Luukonen on a nightly basis. They bring experience and passion to the rink, giving Buffalo opportunities to win every night. Any of these goalies can be the everyday starter in Buffalo, and all of them are excellent options for a team to have.
Luukkonen is expected to start tonight against Washington, and a great game from him could secure him the net moving forward.