Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen News

Despite losing his last contest, the Sabres will turn to Luukkonen between the pipes for the third straight game on Saturday. Luukkonen was excellent in a 2-1 losing effort to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, saving 28 of 38 shots (.933 SV%). The 24-year-old Luukkonen started the season as the third-string netminder for the Sabres but has deservedly earned his way into being the go-to guy between the pipes.

Luukkonen and the Sabres will return to the ice on Tuesday for their first game since the All-Star break. In his last outing, Luukkonen saved 23 of 25 shots in a 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks and has generally been the more relied-upon Sabres' netminder lately, starting seven of the last eight games (4-3-0). The Sabres are +144 home underdogs on Tuesday against the Dallas Stars, who have points in five straight games (4-0-1).

A rested Luukkonen will return to the crease for the Sabres on Tuesday in their first game since Saturday. Luukkonen has allowed three or fewer goals in his last seven games (5-2-0), boasting a tremendous .948 SV% and two shutouts. The Sabres are coming off a 3-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning but are -165 road favourites in a favourable matchup against the Anaheim Ducks, who rank fourth-worst in the league offensively (2.50 GF / GP).

In a game originally scheduled for last night, Luukkonen will star for the Sabres on Thursday night against the Chicago Blackhawks. Luukkonen has been tremendous lately, winning four of his last five starts, allowing two or fewer goals four times, including a stellar 28-save shutout in his last outing, a 3-0 win over the San Jose Sharks. Luukkonen and the Sabres have a favourable matchup as -255 home favourites against the Blackhawks, who have scored two or fewer goals in each of their last four games (1-3-0).

Luukkonen was terrific on Saturday, saving 22 of 23 shots (.957 SV%), but received no goal support in a 1-0 loss to the Vancouver Canucks. Luukkonen has been terrific lately, allowing three or fewer goals in each of his last four starts (3-1-0), posting a .938 SV%, and has a favourable matchup on Monday against the low-scoring San Jose Sharks.

Luukkonen will start for only the third time in the last seven games for the Sabres despite being terrific in his last two. Luukkonen has saved 58 of the last 61 shots he's faced (.951 SV%), winning both contests, snapping a previous skid of six straight losses (0-5-1) where he had an abysmal .839 SV%. The Sabres are -120 home favourites on Thursday against an Ottawa Senators club that has lost four straight, scoring three or fewer goals in each contest.

Luukkonen will likely start for only the third time in the last seven games for the Sabres despite being terrific in his last two. Luukkonen has saved 58 of the last 61 shots he's faced (.951 SV%), winning both contests, snapping a previous skid of six straight losses (0-5-1) where he had an abysmal .839 SV%. The Sabres are -120 home favourites on Thursday against an Ottawa Senators club that has lost four straight, scoring three or fewer goals in each contest.

Luukkonen has not played since Dec. 3rd due to an illness but was back in the starter's crease Wednesday at Buffalo's morning skate. The 24-year-old has taken over the starting job for the Sabres due to his strong 6-5-1 start to go along with his 2.81 GAA and .907 SV%. He will head to Colorado to take on the Avalanche, who won their last game in a thrilling 6-5 victory and are fourth in the NHL in goals peer game (3.54).

Luukkonen has not played since Dec. 3rd due to an illness but was back in the starter's crease Wednesday at Buffalo's morning skate. The 24-year-old has taken over the starting job for the Sabres due to his strong 6-5-1 start to go along with his 2.81 GAA and .907 SV%. He will head to Colorado to take on the Avalanche, who won their last game in a thrilling 6-5 victory and are fourth in the NHL in goals peer game (3.54).

Luukkonen was unavailable Tuesday due to an illness and will not travel with the Sabres' on their upcoming road trip to Boston. The 24-year-old has steady enough this season to take over the Sabres' starting role due to his 6-5-1 record, .907 SV% and 2.81 GAA. Devon Levi was recalled from Rochester (AHL) Tuesday in a corresponding move and should fill in for Luukkonen for the time being.

The Sabres have recalled Devon Levi, likely to serve as backup to Eric Comrie, while Luukkonen is unable to suit up due to an illness. Luukkonen has unquestionably been the most dynamic and consistent of the three Sabres goaltenders this season, with seven quality starts through 11 games (.636 QS %). Expect Luukkonen to regain command of the starters as soon as he recovers.