Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen watches the action in Tuesday’s loss to Dallas. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen playing at elite level, could be Sabres’ long-coveted franchise goalie

BUFFALO – Think about it, when was the last time the Sabres had a true No. 1 goalie? Not a guy playing well and earning most of the action, but a top-flight NHL starter who could be entrenched in the crease for years.

Linus Ullmark might’ve become that guy if he had re-signed here. Robin Lehner enjoyed some success but battled personal issues. Others have seen their performance – remember how well Jonas Enroth and ... Read the full article

Rasmus Dahlin performed dynamically in Tuesday’s loss. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres dominate Stars, still lose: ‘Their goalie won that one for them’

BUFFALO – About 14 minutes into Tuesday’s 2-1 loss, Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin grabbed center Casey Mittelstadt’s adroit pass just inside the left circle and quickly unleashed a shot on Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger.

The shaft of Oettinger’s stick nullified a splendid scoring chance, and when the puck fell from the netting above the glass, Dahlin caught it and spiked it in frustration.

“I thought he was like trying to throw it at me ... Read the full article

Devon Levi made 16 saves Wednesday. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Goalie Devon Levi focused in Rochester, not worried about recall by Sabres

ROCHESTER – One start down, at least one to go for goalie Devon Levi. After making 16 saves in Wednesday’s 2-1 loss, the rookie is scheduled to play one of the Americans’ two weekend road games before the AHL breaks for its All-Star Classic.

Now, will Levi, 22, stay with the Amerks beyond this week?

The Buffalo Sabres, who sent Levi to the minors for extra work during their bye week and the NHL ... Read the full article

Devon Levi has played three games for Rochester this season. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Sabres send Devon Levi to Rochester for work during break, recall goalie

The Sabres on Sunday loaned goalie Devon Levi to the Rochester Americans, a move that allows the rookie to practice and play during Buffalo’s bye week and the NHL All-Star break.

Buffalo also recalled goalie Eric Comrie, who has played five games for Rochester since clearing waivers earlier this month.

Since Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has emerged as the Sabres’ No. 1 goalie, Levi, 22, has played sparingly. On Wednesday, Levi started his first NHL game since ... Read the full article

Eric Comrie has played three games for Rochester this season. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

After roster move by Sabres, goalie Eric Comrie seizing chance in Rochester

ROCHESTER – For almost a year, Eric Comrie never felt comfortable in net. Every game, the goalie said, felt like a tryout for the Buffalo Sabres. He wondered if a bad goal allowed would cost him playing time or lead to a demotion.

“I always felt like I was the odd man out in that (three-goalie) situation, where if I had the bad game, it was like, ‘Well, you’re not going to see it for ... Read the full article

Devon Levi made 14 saves Saturday. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu, Rochester Americans

Sabres recall rookie Devon Levi from Rochester, send goalie to Amerks

As expected, rookie goalie Devon Levi’s latest stint with the Rochester Americans lasted one game.

The Sabres this morning recalled Levi, 22, from the Amerks and sent goalie Eric Comrie back to their AHL affiliate. Levi made 14 saves in Saturday afternoon’s 7-3 win over the Springfield Thunderbirds in Rochester, his first game action since Jan. 9.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s emergence as the Sabres’ No. 1 goalie – the Finn has made five straight starts – ... Read the full article

Dylan Cozens scored Buffalo’s only goal Saturday. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres end home stand with loss to Lightning; Don Granato confused by late penalty on Zach Benson

BUFFALO – When their six-game home stand began, the Sabres had an opportunity to ignite a run and roar into playoff contention. Instead, they blew perhaps their best chance to make up ground against their Eastern Conference foes.

The Sabres finished their longest stint at KeyBank Center this season 3-3-0. Kind of meh.

Overall, having gone 5-3-0 in their last eight outings, they’ve showcased improvement, most notably defensively. Still, they must make up seven points ... Read the full article

Devon Levi played two games for Rochester last month. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres send Devon Levi to Rochester, recall goalie

The Buffalo Sabres this morning loaned rookie goalie Devon Levi to the Rochester Americans.

Levi, 22, is expected to start his first game since Jan. 9 this afternoon when the Amerks host the Springfield Thunderbirds at Blue Cross Arena.

The Sabres also recalled goalie Eric Comrie from the Amerks to back up Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who’s expected to make his fifth straight start this afternoon.... Read the full article

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen looks for the puck Thursday between Ryan Johnson (33) and Reese Johnson (52). ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen posts another shutout win, Sabres stay hot: ‘Playing with mojo right now’

BUFFALO – Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s stellar goaltending is just one part of the Sabres’ improved defense.

Right now, Luukkonen, 24, is the NHL’s hottest goalie, having posted back-to-back shutouts after making 19 saves in Thursday’s 3-0 win over the hapless Chicago Blackhawks.

The Finn’s current shutout streak of 157:55 is the longest by a Sabres netminder since Ryan Miller blanked opponents for 161:35 from Nov. 27 to Dec. 7, 2010. Only five goalies in franchise history ... Read the full article

Devon Levi has played 21 total games this season. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Devon Levi waiting for next chance; Sabres recall defenseman

BUFFALO – Rookie Devon Levi took a backseat to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen again Thursday, backing up the new No. 1 goalie during the Sabres’ 3-0 win against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Levi, 22, has watched four straight contests, his last outing coming Jan. 9. Other than the time he spent recovering from a lower-body injury in October, it’s his longest stretch between outings this season (counting two games he played in the minors).

After Levi returned from ... Read the full article