Cooley sent down, Levi likely to practice on Tuesday
The Buffalo Sabres needed a consistent performance between the pipes to help them rebound from games this week in which they were giving up an average of four goals per game without rookie Devon Levi in goal. On Sunday, the Sabres got just what the doctor ordered from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who made 23 saves for his first career shutout in a 4-0 win over the Colorado Avalanche.
"(Luukkonen) pretty much saved us." Sabres head coach Don Granato said after the game. “It was nice for him to have a night like tonight because he puts the work in. It was 60 minutes of consistency for him, so I'm glad nothing happened at 4-0 and there was a bad bounce because he deserved a shutout."
Luukkonen entered the game with a 4.78 GAA and .881 save % in two appearances, but those numbers were deceiving since he gave up three late goals in his win over Ottawa last Tuesday. His other outing was in relief of the injured Eric Comrie on Friday in New Jersey, where he gave up three goals in a 5-4 loss to the Devils, so posting a zero against one of the league’s best has to give the 25-year-old a boost.
"It was an early start today. I felt (us) struggle a bit as a team, but after a little bit of a rough start, we got it going. I got a couple saves early so that's always helps my confidence." Luukkonen said. "It feels great, especially when it's only my second start this season and maybe in Ottawa the numbers didn't reflect how I did in that game, so this is a real confidence boost for me"
The Sabres recalled goalie Devin Cooley from Rochester to serve as Luukkonen’s backup, but immediately following the game, Cooley was sent back to the Amerks. Buffalo practices on Tuesday and based on the move and GM Kevyn Adams’ comments over the weekend, it is expected that Levi will practice and be able to play this week.
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