The Buffalo Sabres had the second game of their current road trip as they went up against the Minnesota Wild. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has revitalized this Sabres team. He has once continued his two-goals allowed per game streak for the fifth-straight game. This hasn’t been done for the blue and gold, since Robin Lehner over five years ago.
By Carson
For a team who hasn’t given me true excitement in a game since the infamous win streak in 2018, tonight’s game was just exciting to watch. From the constant big saves by Luukkonen, to the Sabres offensive-zone possession; hockey was fun to watch again.
While UPL stole the show once again, the Wild were still able to sneak two past him. Whether this be because UPL is still a bit raw, or because the finish net-minder just enjoys the number two.
The Sabres fell behind first in this contest to a Jon Merril point shot that somehow snuck under Luukkonen’s glove. After the puck was bouncing around near the net, UPL had to recover quickly to face the Merril shot, and unfortunately could not get square in time. This a goal that won’t happen to Luukkonen as he progresses in his career. As he trusts his speed at this level, goals where he seems to be “all over the place” won’t happen as often.
It took until almost halfway through the game, when Dyland Cozen’s netted his eighth goal of the season; a goal that “hits off his keister.” Kaprizov and the Wild responded with less than a minute left to go in the second frame. Another goal that somehow squeaked through the body of Luukkonen.
The third period began, and I found myself incredibly invested into this game.
I feel like most games played throughout the last several years, this Sabres team was destined to lose, maybe at best escape with an overtime point.
This game, however, this team did not deflate after a late goal to end a period, they actually fought back. After shift of the season from Hinostroza, Mark Pysyk scored his first of the year to knot the game up at two. UPL continued his phenomenal play with several backdoor saves throughout the third, and just entire game. After a fun back and forth overtime, which saw each team with the chance to win it, no team could find the back of the net.
In the shootout, all three Wild shooters do not score, as UPL stands tall. This was a nice sight to see after his first shootout this year against Washington where he allowed two goals on three attempts. However, Tage Thompson snipes one low blocker, and the Sabres start their road trip with two wins.
The question still lies what to do with UPL once more and more Sabres goalies come back. I feel as now it is impossible to take him out or even send him to Rochester right now and expect fans to buy tickets to games.
With Rochester’s recent woes, hopefully the addition of Dell, and the possibility of Subban can revitalize their season. Overall, I feel as though this team is a must watch when number one is in net for the blue and gold. The team plays better, and they are starting to find the win column again. The Sabres play Pittsburgh on Friday Dec. 17.