theathleticuk
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres remain a formidable team, but their 3-1 defeat to the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday served as a stark reminder of several critical flaws that must be addressed if they hope to replicate last season's success.
Buffalo currently ranks 31st in the NHL on the power play, 30th on the penalty kill, and 30th in team save percentage. Although it's only a 10-game sample, these three deficiencies are challenging to overcome over a full season.
Against the Flyers, it appeared special teams might swing the game in Buffalo's favor. Late in the second period, while killing a penalty, Owen Power was assessed a high-sticking penalty against Matvei Michkov. However, replay showed that Flyers forward Trevor Zegras was actually the one who caught Michkov with his stick. The home crowd erupted in anger, and although the referees briefly conferred, the call was not reviewable, further incensing the fans.
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said the officials admitted they made the wrong call but had no recourse. As the crowd booed, Buffalo successfully killed off the penalty. Seconds later, Zach Benson drew a high-sticking penalty, and Jason Zucker scored from the front of the net before the second period ended. That's how special teams can impact a game.
The Sabres entered the third period trailing 2-1. Given their knack for comebacks, another third-period surge seemed possible. But just 3:03 into the final frame, Cole Knuble took a puck wide of the net and slid it back in front, where it deflected off Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and went in. It was a demoralizing goal, and Buffalo couldn't muster another comeback. They managed only four shots in the third period and looked listless until Mattias Samuelsson fought Hunter McDonald after a hit on Ryan McLeod.
The Flyers played a tight, physical game, and Ruff felt his team didn't do enough to push through. "Our guys got frustrated," Ruff said. "It got hard. They got frustrated. We turned into trying to get too fancy when we hit the line. We have to get it below the line and win some battles. And those battles have to turn into opportunities."
Buffalo must score more, especially early. In the first period, the Sabres generated 15 scoring chances and 10 high-danger chances, but Flyers goalie Dan Vladar was outstanding and kept them off the board. Meanwhile, Philadelphia scored two goals to take an early lead. The third goal, however, erased any momentum Buffalo gained from Zucker's late second-period goal. The building was buzzing after Zucker, in his first game of the season following offseason hernia surgery, deflected a puck at the net front and leaped into Jack Quinn's arms in celebration. When Luukkonen allowed that goal a few minutes into the third, the arena fell silent.
Luukkonen had been showing signs of turning his game around during the team's four straight division games last week. He was solid against the Florida Panthers, helped steal a point at the Montreal Canadiens, and was steady against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Canadiens later in the week. However, he has still allowed at least three goals in all seven of his starts this season. According to MoneyPuck, Luukkonen ranks 61st among 64 qualifying goalies in goals saved above expected. That third-period goal was just the latest example of how a bad goal can swing a game.
Last season, the Sabres had a top-five save percentage in the NHL, with Luukkonen playing a major role. So did Alex Lyon, who has been on injured reserve all season after a preseason upper-body injury. Lyon is nearing a return, but he is 33 and has mostly been a tandem goalie throughout his career. Buffalo's third goalie, Colten Ellis, has started only two games this season, and neither went well. His save percentage is .864, and his goals-against average is 3.19.
That's why the Connor Hellebuyck speculation persists. The Winnipeg Jets continue to hold firm while trying to extract the best possible return for the 33-year-old goalie. Until he is traded, the possibility of adding one of the league's best goaltenders remains tantalizing. Perhaps Hellebuyck's team suspension ending Friday will bring some clarity. But as long as goaltending remains an issue, it will be a constant topic in Buffalo.
And though the Sabres have other problems, goaltending has been a recurring concern through 10 games. Earlier this week, Sabres general manager Jarmo Keklinen spoke on WGR 550 and again backed his goalies. That's expected, regardless of whether he plans to aggressively pursue a Hellebuyck trade.
"Goaltenders get so unfairly criticized for some of the goals they let in because the mistakes show on the board," Keklinen said. "That's why it's such an important position. It's the hardest position in hockey for sure. I couldn't even imagine playing goalie. And they're so good at it, today's goalies. They're incredible athletes with reaction time we only dream about. But the consistency is the key. Has he been on the level he was at last year? Probably not. Does he get there? I believe he will. I think he's a pretty level-headed guy who can put out the noise in the background and concentrate on the job. But we're all human, too. The pressure on goalies is completely on a different level than anyone else on the team. We believe in our goaltending. They had really good numbers last year. They were good for us, all three of them. Alex Lyon has been hurt and is close to coming back. We'll see where he's at when he does. Colten Ellis played some excellent games for us last year. He hasn't been quite as good as he was last year, but we believe he'll get there again. He's a big part of our team. But Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is a really good goaltender and has a lot to give to the Buffalo Sabres. He'll be a big part of our future."
That last part was the strongest defense of Luukkonen. Adding Hellebuyck isn't as simple as pushing a button; without knowing the Jets' asking price, it's difficult to determine whether a deal is worthwhile. Buffalo's forwards have gotten off to a slower-than-expected start, so Keklinen can't afford to further weaken that group. Depending on the price Winnipeg ultimately receives for Hellebuyck, passing on him could be the right move. If so, Luukkonen must find the consistency he showed last season. Perhaps Lyon's return could help stabilize the position. But games like this loss to the Flyers are also a reminder that better goaltending won't fix everything.
Key Analysis
The Sabres' special teams and goaltending have been significant liabilities early this season. While the sample size is small, the rankings underscore the urgency for improvement. The controversial penalty call and the deflating third-period goal highlighted how quickly momentum can shift. General manager Jarmo Keklinen's public support of his goalies is expected, but the persistent Hellebuyck rumors reflect the team's need for stability in net. However, as the loss to Philadelphia showed, even improved goaltending may not mask all the flaws.
Originally reported by theathleticuk.