Sabres’ Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to start Game 4 against Canadiens

The Buffalo Sabres are making an important change in their lineup ahead of a crucial game in la belle province.

It was announced that goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will be getting the start against the Montreal Canadiens in Game 4 of the Atlantic Division Final, which is set for Tuesday night.

Luukkonen takes the place of Alex Lyon, who has started the last seven games for Buffalo. He stepped up to help the Sabres eliminate the Boston Bruins in the opening round, giving the franchise its first series win since 2007. However, the veteran has struggled in the past couple of games against the Habs. After coming up clutch in Game 1, the 33-year-old has surrendered nine goals over the past two games, allowing five goals on 36 shots in Game 3 on Sunday night, putting Buffalo down 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

UPL was the starter for the Sabres heading into the playoffs. However, after picking up a win in the first game against the Bruins, the Finnish netminder struggled in Game 2, and was yanked after allowing four goals on 20 shots. It was the first postseason experience of his young NHL career.

Luukkonen and Lyon split the net during the regular season, with Lyon appearing in 36 games to UPL’s 35. Yet, Luukkonen had slightly better numbers, going 22-9-3 with a 2.52 goals-against average, a .910 save percentage and one shutout. It was enough to convince seasoned head coach Lindy Ruff to tab the 27-year-old for Game 1 against Boston.

The Sabres are looking to turn the tide in the series against Montreal before the series heads back across the border. The Atlantic Division champions came into the series with a lot of confidence after taking down the Bruins, and it showed in the first game against the Habs. However, after a couple of tough losses, Buffalo is tasked with stealing a game in the boisterous Bell Centre to avoid facing elimination in Game 5.

Puck drop for Game 4 is scheduled for a little after 7 p.m. ET.