‘We need a save’: Top Sabres goaltending prospect Devon Levi criticized after getting pulled in AHL

Buffalo Sabres goaltending prospect Devon Levi is having a rough go of things with the team’s AHL affiliate Rochester Americans.

The 23-year-old has made eight appearances, and while he’s gone 6-2-0, he’s surrendered a 2.96 goals against average while putting up a .892 save percentage.

Things came to a boil on Wednesday night after a third straight poor game. In the stretch, Levi has allowed 14 goals without facing more than 29 shots in any of the three contests.

Americans head coach Michael Leone did not hold back in his post-game comments after a 6-4 loss to the Belleville Senators.

“He’s got to be better. I don’t know what you want me to say,” Leone said after taking a question from a reporter on Wednesday. “I know he’s a really good goalie, but it’s not about him. It’s about the team. You don’t play good enough, you’re just like a player.”

Levi is a highly-touted young goalie in a franchise that desperately needs a clear-cut starter to emerge. In nine appearances with Buffalo last year, posting a .872 SV% while going 2-7-0.

“I’m just being honest… That’s a lot of goals in the three-game stretch,” Leone said. “You know what I’m saying? And we believe in him. At the same time, part of your development is we need to save. The fifth one can’t go in.”

Leone had success with Levi at the AHL level last year, when he held opponents to a 2.20 GAA while turning aside shots at a .919 clip. He helped lead the Americans to the Calder Cup Playoffs, where they lost in the North Division Finals.

“I was the one that pulled him twice,” Leone continued. “Anyone who knows me, if you play well, you’re going to play. So it’s the same thing for a goalie. Just because his name is Devon Levi doesn’t mean he can’t get pulled or not play good.”