Alex Lyon will start in goal for the Buffalo Sabres in Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday, NHL.com reporter Heather Engel said, a decision that cements a recent surge that helped Buffalo advance from the first round. Lyon will protect the home net as the Sabres open the next round of the playoffs.
Lyon’s nod follows a strong finish to the Sabres’ opening-round series against the Boston Bruins. He went 3-1 over his final four appearances in that 4-2 series victory, surrendering just five goals across those games — a run that sharply lowered the workload on Buffalo’s defense and gave the team momentum heading into the next matchup. That stretch is the immediate basis for the coaching staff’s decision to hand him the Game 1 start.
With this move, Lyon is regarded as Buffalo’s No. 1 goalie for the time being. The team, however, is keeping its options open: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen remains available and could be reinserted into the starter’s role if Lyon struggles. The Sabres’ willingness to pivot back to Luukkonen indicates the team views goaltending as a performance-driven position and is prepared to make changes quickly depending on results.
Related Recipes
Michael McGreevy Ignites Waiver-Wire Buzz with 3rd Straight Quality Start, Nine Ks vs Padres
Waiver-Wire Gems for 10-Team Fantasy Baseball: Under-Owned Pitchers and Hitters
Oregon Ducks postseason fate hinges on USC series as bracket projections split on hosting a regional
Mark Stone Out for Game 6 as Golden Knights Shuffle Lines Without Veteran Playmaker Against Ducks
The choice to ride Lyon into Wednesday’s opener reflects a common playoff approach of going with the hot hand. Lyon’s recent form provided the tangible results Buffalo needed to advance, and the coaching staff has rewarded that reliability with the Game 1 assignment. At the same time, the retained confidence in Luukkonen underscores that the Sabres do not consider the position permanently settled.
Trending Now
Beth and Rip Kick Off a New Yellowstone Chapter With Dutton Ranch’s Two-Episode May 15 Premiere Across Paramount+ and Paramount Network
Outlander Final Episode Runs 80 Minutes, Debuts on Starz May 15 With 8 PM ET Linear Air
Michael McGreevy Ignites Waiver-Wire Buzz with 3rd Straight Quality Start, Nine Ks vs Padres
Palisades Fire Memorial Opens as In-Process Site with Public Storytelling and Stonehenge by the Sea
Game 1 will serve as an early barometer for how long Lyon’s hot streak can carry him and the Sabres. A strong performance would likely keep him entrenched as the starter for the immediate future; a shaky outing could prompt a return to the Luukkonen option. Either outcome will be closely watched as Buffalo attempts to build on the momentum from its series win over Boston and take the next step in the playoffs.
Continue Reading
