21-year-old rookie has a 3-4-1 record, 3.66 GAA, and .879 save percentage in eight starts
The Buffalo Sabres are nearing the first quarter mark of the regular season under .500 and struggling with consistency in multiple areas. Through 19 games, the Sabres are averaging less than three goals per game and their power play (which was ranked in the top 10 last season) is 27th in the NHL so far.
At the end of last season, there was hope that the club had found their answer in goal after struggling with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Eric Comrie, and an aging Craig Anderson in goal, as Devon Levi coming out of Northeastern University went 5-2 down the stretch. GM Kevyn Adams and head coach Don Granato expressed confidence that the two-time Mike Richter Award winner was ready for prime time, as the club opted not to add a veteran tandem partner or backup and rest their hopes on a 21-year-old coming out of the NCAA.
Levi played well during the exhibition season, and was handed the reins to start the campaign, but went 1-3-0 in his first four starts before suffering a lower-body injury. Since returning, the rookie has gone 2-1-1 but has allowed four or more goals in three of his four outings.
Luukkonen has performed better statistically this season, and now that Comrie has returned from injury, the club is rotating three
goalies. At a certain point, the Sabres have to realize that getting Levi regular work and instilling some confidence would be beneficial in the long term.
The youngster does not require waivers to go down to AHL Rochester, and based on his struggles so far, it is something that Buffalo should consider before Levi has another subpar outing.
LATEST THN BUFFALO STORIES
Takeaways From The Overtime Loss To Capitals