UPL’s outstanding performance, Tuch’s two goals lead Buffalo.
Score: Sabres 5, Rangers 1
Shots: BUF 39 | NYR 26
New York Rangers Goals: Mika Zibanejad (5)
Buffalo Sabres Goals: JJ Peterka (9), Alex Tuch (7,8), Casey Mittelstadt (4), Kyle Okposo (3)
Plus 1: Luukkonen, Lookin’ Good
After the Sabres started the season with a three-goalie rotation – which they’ve somewhat kept up – it’s been Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen who has really begun to shine. He stopped 25 of 26 shots on Monday night and had several impressive moves, even some worthy of the ‘Hasek-like’ moniker. He saved the game more than once, topped by this incredible save that even had Eric Comrie stunned:
According to Sabres PR, Luukkonen leads all NHL goalies with at least three games played dating back to November 11, with a .942 save percentage. In his last five games, he’s made 129 saves on 137 shots faced.
Plus 2: Beating the Best
It’s a tale of day and night for the Sabres over the last few days. A pitiful loss in New Jersey on Saturday left many fans feeling exasperated, but Monday night’s win over the best team in the NHL is exactly what the team – and fanbase – needed. It will never not be astounding that the team can fall apart in such a magnificent manner and then put themselves back together to so fully beat the top team in the league. Monday’s game was a tight one in spots, and at one point came down to a one-goal difference, but the Sabres played a complete 60 and added three goals in a span of five minutes to secure the win.
Other highlights include the great pass from Rasmus Dahlin that eventually led to Tuch’s first goal of the night, and the fact that the Rangers thought they scored on two different occasions – when they clearly had not. It gave me a good laugh as the fans all stood up, the goal light stayed on and the crowd started to sing while the puck literally laid quite visibly on the outside of the net. Watching the replay, I can see how they thought it was in, but it was also quite obviously not. Better luck next time.
Final Thoughts
This was exactly the kind of game the Sabres and their fans needed after Saturday’s loss. Coming off a game like that, and facing the best team in the league, was undoubtedly a big test, and they faced it head-on. A lot of things went right Monday night, not least of which was UPL in net. I think many of us were ready to give up on him entering this season, especially with Devon Levi coming in looking hot, but let’s give the man some credit. He’s stepped up big time and has easily earned the starting spot, but at least for now, the Sabres are still holding onto three goalies. Will that change soon?