It’s no secret that, as is true in many sports, defense wins championships in hockey, but it underscores the importance of goaltending when it comes to which teams succeed in the Stanley Cup playoffs. And a quick look at a couple key numbers only confirms it in the current post-season.
To wit: of the eight teams still playing this year, seven of them were in the top-10 in goals-against average. The Edmonton Oilers were the only anomaly, as they were 14th-overall in G.A.A. at 2.87. But otherwise, the teams that have lasted longest also had a well-above-average overall defense. And what we’re seeing in the playoffs is similar, as the top four playoff G.A.A.s are owned by four teams — the Carolina Hurricanes, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs and (tied for fourth) the Florida Panthers — who are still playing. That’s not by accident.
Thus, this is why the Buffalo Sabres have to have a better overall defense, but they also need improvement in net. Because this season, the team G.A.A. was not only well below-average, but it was the pits, as their 3.50 G.A.A was third-worst in the league.
That means workhorse Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has to be better. His 3.20 G.A.A. this year wasn’t great, and his save percentage of .887 also left much to be desired. Greybeard James Reimer likely won’t be back, and youngster Devon Levi’s brief (nine-game) stint also didn’t look good (.872 SP, 4.12 G.A.A.).
Certainly, the Sabres’ defense in front of the goalies has to be better as well. We’re not here to tell you it’s solely the goalies’ fault. But there’s no question Buffalo’s overall presence in their own zone has to be stronger, and the goalies have to own their role in that challenge.
Another free agent depth signing in net could be crucial for the Sabres if things don’t go well defense-wise out of the gate for them next fall. Buffalo’s offense can only do so much, if the guy between the pipes can’t do their part. So the pressure will be on Sabres goaltending until further notice — and if it doesn’t go as hoped, bigger changes might be on the horizon for the team’s goalie picture.
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