For the first time since 2011, the Buffalo Sabres are set to play postseason hockey. The Sabres kick off their first round series against the Boston Bruins on Sunday and will be looking to start the series by picking up a victory in Game 1.
When looking at the Sabres’ roster, it is clear that as long as he has the crease, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonnen is the team’s biggest X-factor.
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The Sabres are going to need Luukkonen to be on his A-game during the playoffs, much like he was during the regular season. The 27-year-old goaltender was a major reason for the Sabres’ turnaround this campaign, as he had a 22-9-3 record, a .910 save percentage, a 2.52 goals-against average, and one shutout.
With numbers like these, it is clear that Luukkonen has the potential to be a major difference-maker for the Sabres during the playoffs. If he can replicate his regular-season form during the postseason, the Sabres will be an incredibly tough team to beat.
It will be fascinating to see how Luukkonen performs during his first career postseason. The Sabres undoubtedly need him to be playing at his highest level.
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