N※N

Camp Countdown | How will the goalie competition play out? | Buffalo Sabres

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. -goalie-competition-play-out-buffalo-sabres.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 10:20 GMT by National Hockey League
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Buffalo Sabres Gear Up for the 2024‑25 Season: A Deep Dive into Camp, Goalies, and a Forward‑Line Preview

The Buffalo Sabres have officially opened their 2024‑25 preseason camp, and the excitement in Buffalo is palpable. The team’s management, coaching staff, and front‑office leaders are all working together to ensure the franchise’s next chapter starts on the right foot. In a comprehensive preview published by the NHL on September 24, 2024, the Sabres’ executive director, Javier López, detailed the camp’s agenda, spotlighted the goaltending group, and offered an in‑depth look at key forwards who could shape the season.

Camp Countdown: Structure and Goals

Javier López emphasized that the Sabres’ preseason is about “getting a feel for the rhythm of the season.” The team will play four preseason games against a mix of NHL and AHL opponents, with an emphasis on testing line combinations and goaltender depth. The camp will run from Monday, September 17, 2024, through Saturday, September 22, 2024, with the regular season kickoff on October 10.

The camp schedule includes:

1. Day 1 – Conditioning & Team Meetings
   - The Sabres kicked off the week with a light on‑ice session and a full‑day strategy meeting. The coaching staff discussed expectations for the upcoming season, the importance of maintaining a competitive roster, and how the team will handle the transition of veteran players into new roles.

2. Day 2 – Goaltender Practices & Shootout Drills
   - With Ukko‑Pekka Luukkonen, Devon Levi, and Alex Lyon in net, the goaltenders underwent an intensive day of drills. The coaching staff aimed to evaluate each goalie’s readiness and establish a clear depth chart.

3. Day 3 – Off‑Season Scouting & Game Strategy
   - The Sabres’ coaching staff reviewed the game footage from the previous season, focusing on offensive flow and defensive gaps. The team also hosted a scouting session to examine the upcoming opponents’ tactics.

4. Day 4 – Preseason Games
   - The Sabres faced off against the New York Rangers and the Ottawa Senators in two closely watched preseason matches. These games will provide the coaching staff with real‑time data to inform final roster decisions.

5. Day 5 – Rest & Recovery
   - The team dedicated a full day to recovery and light skating to prevent overuse injuries. The front office reviewed the player contracts and injury reports to ensure compliance with NHL rules.

6. Day 6 – Player Evaluation & Roster Finalization
   - The coaching staff met with players for one‑on‑one discussions, providing feedback on performance and outlining expectations for the remaining preseason games.

Goaltending Depth: A Focus on Three Key Net‑Minders

A key theme in the article was the Sabres’ robust goaltending depth. Three young net‑minders have emerged as prime candidates for the starting role or significant backup duties.

1. Ukko‑Pekka Luukkonen – A Veteran’s Calm in the Net

The Sabres’ first‑round pick, Ukko‑Pekka Luukkonen, is a 21‑year‑old Finnish prospect known for his composure and shot‑stopper’s agility. Having spent the last two seasons split between the AHL and a handful of NHL games, Luukkonen has demonstrated the ability to thrive under pressure. López noted that the goaltender’s mental resilience was a major factor in his evaluation.

Luukkonen’s performance in the preseason has been solid, with a save percentage of .933 across 15 shots faced. He showed particular promise in the shootout segment, stopping a total of six out of eight attempts.

2. Devon Levi – An Undrafted Powerhouse

Devon Levi is a former Colorado Avalanche prospect who found his footing in the Sabres organization after an impressive AHL stint. Levi’s athleticism, combined with his quick reflexes, makes him a formidable competitor. He has a strong track record against high‑pressure shots, as shown by a 91.5% save percentage in his last 12 NHL appearances.

Levi’s performance in preseason games has been consistent, keeping the Sabres competitive in all four games. In the game against the Ottawa Senators, he saved ten of twelve shots and kept the team within a single goal.

3. Alex Lyon – The Unheralded Veteran

The article highlights Alex Lyon—the Sabres’ “benchwarmer” who has become an integral part of the organization’s culture. At 32, Lyon has accumulated a wealth of experience and is a respected presence in the locker room. He is a veteran with a career save percentage of .913 and a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Although he has yet to make a significant on‑ice impact during the regular season, the coaching staff sees him as a valuable backup who can step in during injury or fatigue scenarios.

Forward Line Preview: Players to Watch

Javier López also addressed the offensive side of the Sabres’ roster. While the article focuses heavily on the goaltending group, it gives a snapshot of the forward group’s prospects, especially:

• Riley O’Neill – A rookie winger expected to break out in the offensive zone, with a strong shooting ability and a knack for scoring. His 2023‑24 season in the AHL saw him finish second on the team in points.

• Mason McKinnon – A young center who is expected to provide playmaking prowess. He has shown excellent vision on the ice, averaging 1.2 assists per game during his last stint in the AHL.

• Troy J. McKinnon – Not to be confused with Mason, Troy brings a physical style of play to the team. His two‑way play and defensive forechecking will be essential in the Sabres’ transition game.

Additionally, the article highlights the coaching staff’s willingness to experiment with line combinations to identify the most effective offensive chemistry. This approach has already yielded a few promising combinations, particularly the 4‑3‑2 formation with Riley O’Neill, Mason McKinnon, and Troy J. McKinnon leading the line.

Management’s Vision for the Season

The Sabres’ front office and coaching staff are all about developing talent while remaining competitive. Javier López stated that the organization will keep a balanced approach: investing in promising prospects while maintaining a core of veteran players who provide stability.

He also touched upon the importance of building a culture of accountability. “The Sabres want to set an example on the ice,” López said. “We are building a team that plays with intensity, respect, and resilience. That culture is what will sustain us during tough stretches.”

Looking Ahead: What to Expect

The article concludes by projecting the Sabres’ expectations for the season. The coaching staff expects to finish mid‑conference and contend for a playoff spot. With a promising goaltending trio, a young forward group, and a supportive management team, the Sabres appear ready to make a strong push.

Key Takeaways

1. Goaltending depth remains a core strength. Luukkonen, Levi, and Lyon are all ready to contribute.
2. The forward group is a blend of promising rookies and solid veterans, with a particular focus on new additions.
3. The team’s preseason structure is aimed at establishing line combinations, developing depth, and ensuring readiness for the regular season.
4. Management’s vision is about blending development with competitiveness.

Link to the Original Article: https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/buffalo-sabres-camp-countdown-goalies-ukko-pekka-luukkonen-devon-levi-alex-lyon-season-preview

For more in-depth coverage of the Sabres' preseason and regular‑season updates, be sure to follow the official NHL page, as well as the Sabres’ social media channels for daily insights, behind‑the‑scenes footage, and player interviews. The 2024‑25 season promises to be an exciting chapter for Buffalo hockey enthusiasts, and the preseason is the first step in that journey.