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Buffalo Sabres News

Kulich (blood clot) has returned to skating and plans to make a return to the NHL eventually.

Kulich suffered a blood clot in early November and was sidelined for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. That said, the Sabres received encouraging news that Kulich is trending in the right direction and is expected to return. The 22-year-old Czech forward, the 28th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, has 29 points (18G / 11A) in 75 career games.

Jiri Kulich
Luukkonen will start Game 7 against the Canadiens.

After being pulled in favour of Alex Lyon in Game 5, UPL was thrust back into action in Game 6 when the Sabres suffered an early 3-1 deficit. Luukkonen performed spectacularly with Buffalo's season on the line, stopping all 18 shots he faced in relief as the Sabres fought back and ultimately forced Game 7 with an 8-3 victory. The odds on the money line for Game 7 are nearly dead even, but the Sabres do enter action as the slight favourites at -115.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Lyon will start Game 6 in Montreal.

Lyon allowed one goal on three shots after replacing Ukko-Pekke Lukkonen in the crease in Game 5. Lyon was excellent vs. the Bruins in Round 1, but hasn't found the same success vs. Montreal. Through four games, he is 1-2-0 with a 3.79 GAA and .872 SV%. Lyon and the Sabres enter the must-win game as +150 road underdogs.

Alex Lyon
Lyon was the first goalie off the ice at the Sabres' morning skate.

Lyon allowed one goal on three shots after replacing Ukko-Pekke Lukkonen in the crease in Game 5. Lyon was excellent vs. the Bruins in Round 1, but hasn't found the same success vs. Montreal. Through four games, he is 1-2-0 with a 3.79 GAA and .872 SV%. Lyon and the Sabres enter the must-win game as +150 road underdogs.

Alex Lyon
Power (undisclosed) will play in Game 6 in Montreal.

Power was nicked up in Game 5 and head coach Lindy Ruff said that he was receiving treatment on Friday for the undisclosed injury. On Saturday he said that Power is a "possibility" to play in the must-win Game 6 in Montreal. Power has picked up five assists in 11 playoff games so far.

Owen Power
Luukkonen will start Game 5 against the Canadiens.

Luukkonen made his return to the crease in Game Four against the Montreal Canadiens after serving as Buffalo's backup for three weeks, and didn't miss a beat, saving 29 of 31 shots (.935 SV%) in a 3-2 win to help his team even the series at 2-2. Sabres' Head Coach Lindy Ruff has already set the trend of rolling with the hot goalie this postseason, and will continue that on Thursday, with Luukkonen set to tend the twine in Game Five. The Sabres enter the action as -117 home favourites.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Luukkonen is in the starter's crease ahead of Game 5 vs. Montreal.

Luukkonen made his return to the crease in Game Four against the Montreal Canadiens after serving as Buffalo's backup for three weeks, and didn't miss a beat, saving 29 of 31 shots (.935 SV%) in a 3-2 win to help his team even the series at 2-2. Sabres' Head Coach Lindy Ruff has already set the trend of rolling with the hot goalie this postseason, and will continue that on Thursday, with Luukkonen set to tend the twine in Game Five. The Sabres enter the action as -117 home favourites.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Carrick is expected to be scratched for Game 4 in Montreal.

With the Sabres entering a pivotal Game Four, down 2-1 to the Montreal Canadiens, they will make some roster adjustments, with Konsta Helenius drawing in for Sam Carrick. The 34-year-old Carrick made his 2025-26 postseason debut in Buffalo's previous game, returning from a six-week absence due to a left-arm injury.

Sam Carrick
Helenius is expected to make his NHL playoffs debut on Tuesday.

With the Sabres entering a pivotal Game Four, down 2-1 to the Montreal Canadiens, they will make some roster adjustments, with Konsta Helenius drawing in for Sam Carrick. The 20-year-old Helenius, the 14th-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, made his NHL debut this season, scoring four points (1G / 3A) in nine games.

Konsta Helenius
Luukkonen will start Game 4 in Montreal.

Luukkonen's most recent appearance was in Game Two against the Boston Bruins, when he allowed a weak goal from center ice and was eventually relieved by Alex Lyon, who went on to start the subsequent seven games for the Sabres. That said, with the Sabres in dire straits, down 2-1 to the Montreal Canadiens in a pivotal Game Four, they will return to Luukkonen between the pipes. The Sabres hope to tie the series at 2-2, entering Game Four as +121 road underdogs.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Luukkonen is in the starter's crease at the Sabres' morning skate.

Luukkonen's most recent appearance was in Game Two against the Boston Bruins, when he allowed a weak goal from center ice and was eventually relieved by Alex Lyon, who went on to start the subsequent seven games for the Sabres. That said, with the Sabres in dire straits, down 2-1 to the Montreal Canadiens in a pivotal Game Four, they will likely return to Luukkonen between the pipes. The Sabres hope to tie the series at 2-2, entering Game Four as +121 road underdogs.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Lyon will start Game 2 against the Canadiens.

Lyon struggled towards the end of the regular season, but has been tremendous since taking over for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen late in Game Two against the Boston Bruins. The 33-year-old Lyon continued his success in Game One against the Montreal Canadiens, saving 26 of 28 shots (.929 SV%) in a 4-2 win. He has a stellar 1.30 GAA and .950 SV% in six appearances this postseason (4-1). The Sabres hope to take a commanding 2-0 series lead, entering Game Two against the Canadiens as -126 home favourites.

Alex Lyon
Lyon is in the starter’s crease at Buffalo’s morning skate ahead of Game 2.

Lyon struggled towards the end of the regular season, but has been tremendous since taking over for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen late in Game Two against the Boston Bruins. The 33-year-old Lyon continued his success in Game One against the Montreal Canadiens, saving 26 of 28 shots (.929 SV%) in a 4-2 win. He has a stellar 1.30 GAA and .950 SV% in six appearances this postseason (4-1). The Sabres hope to take a commanding 2-0 series lead, entering Game Two against the Canadiens as -126 home favourites.

Alex Lyon