3. What happens in net?
The offseason has been rife with rumors about the Sabres’ goaltending situation, which became a revolving door in the playoffs with time split between Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon. Most of those rumors have centered around Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, the three-time Vezina Trophy winner as the best in the NHL.
For the moment, the Sabres are heading into training camp with four goalies on their roster, Luukkonen, Lyon, Colten Ellis and Matt Villalta, all of whom except Villalta saw time for them last season.
But do they need to make an upgrade?
Lyon finished last season with a 20-10-4 record, a 2.77 goals-against average, a .907 save percentage and one shutout in 36 games (34 starts). Luukkonen had a 22-9-3 record, 2.52 GAA, .910 save percentage and one shutout in 35 games (34 starts), while Ellis had an 8-4-2 record, 2.90 GAA, .903 save percentage and one shutout in 16 games (14 starts).
In the playoffs, Lyon had a 2.59 GAA and .904 save percentage; Luukkonen had a 3.18 GAA and .876 save percentage. Both struggled in the Eastern Conference Second Round against the Canadiens, when coach Lindy Ruff was forced to alternate them. Lyon finished the series with an .847 save percentage, allowing 15 goals on 98 shots; Luukkonen finished with an .897 save percentage, allowing 10 goals on 97 shots.
Can Lyon and/or Luukkonen be the answer for a team that believes it’s ready for even more this season? Time will tell.