Buffalo Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen struggled in his first start of the 2025-26 season, giving up four goals on just 22 shots in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. It marked a continuation of last year's poor play when he finished with an .887 save percentage in 55 games.
His underwhelming production creates a conundrum from the Sabres, who've watched fill-in starter Alex Lyon thrive in UPL's absence. They also have Colten Ellis, who shined in his NHL debut and would need to clear waivers for an AHL demotion, on the active roster.