Lyon struggled towards the end of the regular season, but has been tremendous since taking over for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen late in Game Two, and will return to the crease for a second consecutive start. The Sabres will try to take a commanding 3-1 series lead on Sunday, entering Game Four as +106 road underdogs.
After sitting as a healthy scratch in Game 3, Dennis Gilbert will draw back into Ottawa's lineup for Game4 on Sautrday. The 29-year-old only appeared in eight regular season games this season, picking up an assist and two SOG while averaging just 12:41 TOI. He will replace Cameron Crotty for Game 4.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen allowed a concerning goal from center ice in Buffalo's 4-2 Game Two loss to the Boston Bruins and was ultimately replaced by Alex Lyon early in the third period. The 33-year-old Lyon recently returned from an injury, and his brief stint in the crease in Game Two was his first appearance in nearly three weeks. Lyon was struggling before his injury, but the team hopes his extended rest can help him reset and return to early-season form when he tends the twine in Game Three. Buffalo enters the action with even -105 odds on the road.
Norris played 16:39 time-on-ice in Buffalo's 4-2 Game Two loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, but is battling an undisclosed injury and will not play in Game Three. The 26-year-old forward has battled injuries throughout his career, so there is always extra concern whenever he is sidelined. Noah Ostlund (upper body) will draw into the lineup as Norris' replacement.
Ostlund has not played in over four weeks due to an upper-body injury, but he will make his postseason debut on Thursday in Game Three against the Boston Bruins. The 22-year-old Swedish forward averaged 13:58 time-on-ice and scored 27 points (11G / 16A) in 60 games this season.
Josh Dunne will be a healthy scratch in Game Three, allowing Kozak to make his postseason debut. The 23-year-old Kozak averaged 11:17 time-on-ice and had six points (2G / 4A) in 46 games this season.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen allowed a concerning goal from center ice in Buffalo's 4-2 Game Two loss to the Boston Bruins and was ultimately replaced by Alex Lyon early in the third period. The 33-year-old Lyon recently returned from an injury, and his brief stint in the crease in Game Two was his first appearance in nearly three weeks. Lyon was struggling before his injury, but the team hopes his extended rest can help him reset and return to early-season form when he tends the twine in Game Three. Buffalo enters the action with even -105 odds on the road.
Gilbert played the opening two games of Ottawa's first-round matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes, but will head to the sidelines as a healthy scratch in Game Three. The 29-year-old Gilbert recorded 11 hits and six penalty minutes in his two postseason appearances.
Ostlund has not played in over four weeks due to an upper-body injury, but he could make his postseason debut as early as Thursday in Game Three against the Boston Bruins. The 22-year-old Swedish forward averaged 13:58 time-on-ice and scored 27 points (11G / 16A) in 60 games this season.
Luukkonen didn't have to be spectacular in Game One for Buffalo, saving 17 of 20 shots (.850 SV%), but made some timely saves as the Sabres rallied late in the third period to win 4-3. The 27-year-old Finnish goalie was excellent down the stretch for the Sabres, posting a 2.31 GAA and .917 SV% in his last 13 regular-season games (10-2-1) and will look to continue carrying that momentum into his first-ever postseason. The Sabres enter Game Two on Tuesday as -158 home favourites.
Luukkonen didn't have to be spectacular in Game One for Buffalo, saving 17 of 20 shots (.850 SV%), but made some timely saves as the Sabres rallied late in the third period to win 4-3. The 27-year-old Finnish goalie was excellent down the stretch for the Sabres, posting a 2.31 GAA and .917 SV% in his last 13 regular-season games (10-2-1) and will look to continue carrying that momentum into his first-ever postseason. The Sabres enter Game Two on Tuesday as -158 home favourites.
Villalta will serve as the Mammoth's No.3 netminder throughout the postseason. He has spent the entire season in the AHL, going 16-12-3 with a 3.10 GAA and .895 SV% in 33 games.
Entering their final game of the regular season, the Avalanche will likely rest some of their key players, resulting in several call-ups from the Colorado Eagles (AHL), including Polin. The 26-year-old Polin has spent most of the season in the AHL, where he has 21 points (10G / 11A) in 45 games with the Eagles.
Ostlund has not played in over three weeks due to an upper-body injury, and his availability to start the playoffs is uncertain. The 22-year-old Swedish forward is averaging 13:58 time-on-ice and has 27 points (11G / 16A) in 60 games this season.
Carrick suffered an upper-body injury in a fight with Anders Lee of the New York Islanders on March 31st and has not played since. The 34-year-old has 16 points (9G / 7A) and 65 penalty minutes in 73 games this season. He is inching closer to a return, but is not likely to be ready to start the playoffs.
After not starting a game in over a month, Ellis played twice in the last two weeks with Buffalo wrapping up their season and was given the day off on Thursday. The 25-year-old Ellis was serviceable in limited action this season, posting a 2.90 GAA and .903 SV% in 16 games (8-4-2).
A starter has not been announced for Buffalo's opening-game of the playoffs against the Boston Bruins on Sunday, but if Lyon is able to suit up, given that he has not played in weeks, he will likely serve as the backup to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The 33-year-old Lyon was struggling before his injury, resulting in his starting only one of the team's last five games. The team hopes Lyon's extended rest can help him reset and return to early-season form if he is called upon in the playoffs.
Entering their final game of the regular season, the Avalanche will likely rest some of their key players, resulting in several call-ups from the Colorado Eagles (AHL), including Barre-Boulet. The 26-year-old Polin has spent most of the season in the AHL, where he has 21 points (10G / 11A) in 45 games with the Eagles.
