Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen started in goal for the Sabres against the Sharks. The game was tied 0-0 after the first period, with both teams having 8 shots on goal. The Sabres scored two goals in the second period, leading 2-0. Luukkonen made a crucial save to maintain the lead. The Sabres ultimately won 3-0, with an empty-net goal by Jordan Greenway. Luukkonen's performance, including a 28-save shutout, is seen as a strong case for him to become the Sabres' No. 1 goalie.
There’s no question the Sabres are doing a better job defending, but we’re also seeing Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen at his best. My observations from his latest win, a 28-save shutout vs. the Sharks: https://t.co/PJw0i6EtJX
“I didn’t give him it. He’s earned it. It’s clear.” In another sporting event today in #Buffalo, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen started his third straight game, shutting out the San Jose Sharks and perhaps grabbing the #Sabres' No. 1 goalie job: https://t.co/6cTarUcuB7
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen's second career shutout, and second of the season, led the way for the Sabres in their 3-0 win over the Sharks. https://t.co/PJw0i6DVUp
Jordan Greenway's empty-net goal has the Sabres ahead 3-0 with 3:26 left in the third period. Casey Mittelstadt earned his third point of the game with a primary assist on Greenway's goal.
Greenway overpowers a Shark in the neutral zone and gets a richly deserved empty netter with 3:26 left. #Sabres lead 3-0.
Empty net with 3:54 left for San Jose. #Sabres still up 2-0.
Shots 7-7 in third and 26-26. Luukkonen and Kahkonen have both been good. #Sabres still leading #SJSharks 2-0.
The Sabres carry a 2-0 lead in to the second intermission. More spectacular play from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who has 19 saves through 40 minutes. Made a great stop on Hertl late in the period.
Sabres up 2-0 after two periods. Each team has 19 shots on goal.
After 40: Sabres lead the Sharks 2-0. Shots on goal are even, 19-19.
End-2nd: #Sabres lead #SJSharks 2-0. UPL a real key. Shots 12-11 for BUF and 19-18 for the game.
UPL's best save of the day diving to his left to stop Hertl backhand. Keeps #Sabres up 2-0 with 1:06 left in 2nd. Big stop late in period.
Easy pickings for Tuch, as he one times a pass from Quinn past Kahkonen for his 12th of the season -- 2-0 Sabres. Buffalo's outshot the Sharks 9-0 in the last 5+ minutes.
2-0 Tuch with a one-timer from the slot off a feed from Quinn.
Tuch with the one-timer from the slot on Quinn feed and it's 2-0 at 14:37..#Sabres The San Jose penalty kill has only killed 11 of its last 20.
2-0 Sabres Power-play goal for Alex Tuch. His 12th of the season was a one-timer from the slot on a pass by Jack Quinn with 5:23 left in the 2nd period.
Also fabulous: that shot from Alex Tuch to make it 2-0 Sabres on the power play.
By my count the Sabres still don't have a decent scoring chance in this game. Maybe a first period one-timer by Jokiharju.
#SJSharks are 0-17 when trailing after first but #Sabres couldn't score. They're 2-24 when opponent scores first at any point and that's still out there.
Sabres and Sharks tied at 0 after one period. Each team has eight shots on goal.
After 20: Sabres and Sharks tied 0-0. Shots on goal even, 8-8.
Shots on goal are 8-6 for #Sabres with 3:00 left in the first. Jokiharju has three -- and the forwards have only four combined. Your big guys have to get into this game.
It's a Finnish showdown in goal this afternoon: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen going up against Kaapo Kahkonen for Sabres-Sharks
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will be in goal for the Sabres vs. the Sharks today.