Player Discussion Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (2017, 54th)
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I'm not a goalie, or a coach, but I hope and would imagine that we're not seeing a finished product.
He appears very good at certain things, and not so good with others.
The assumption is he will improve over time. I hope that's true, because the other guys aren't ready
But from an untrained eye, I thought he read the play extremely well last night. Also stood tall in the crease and was generally in good position for first shot.
His rebound control could use improvement as well as his tendency to overcommit.
Yes, I have opinions, shoot me
WhereAreTheCookies
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Honestly I think his last 5 games have been pretty good. I know people look and see a sub .900 save % in the San Jose and Columbus games, but keep in mind how often that happens when teams are getting blown out. Defensive structure gets tossed out the window and they go full attack to avoid being embarrassed more often than not. Maybe he'd like a goal back in each of those games, but given the score I'm not surprised by them.
MOGlLNY
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I’m giving UPL a B+ so far this season. He definitely had exceeded the expectations I had for him this year and he’s stolen the net, makes clutch saves and is winning games. Especially with how free wheeling our team is. He’s seemingly getting better nearly every night. 23 years old and still a lot of room to learn and grow. He does look clunky some nights but still manages to get it done.
Happy with where he’s at and he’s gonna make it tougher than we thought for it to turn into Levi’s crease. Could he be better? Obviously, but he’s doing exactly what we’ve asked of him and even a bit more in some cases.
I believe in the kid.
Happy with where he’s at and he’s gonna make it tougher than we thought for it to turn into Levi’s crease. Could he be better? Obviously, but he’s doing exactly what we’ve asked of him and even a bit more in some cases.
I believe in the kid.
I'd give him a C this year
But this team only needs C level goaltending to win. If he ever gets to a B, we become cup favorites with how we score
Could he be our Binnington?
But this team only needs C level goaltending to win. If he ever gets to a B, we become cup favorites with how we score
Could he be our Binnington?
Zach716
Pucks in deep
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I like my goalies how I like my woman, a little crazy but not that crazy!
ValJamesDuex
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MOGlLNY
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im also factoring in the fact he wasn’t expected to be on the big team at all minus a few games. Strictly performances and only NHL performance I’d probably have him as a C+
Beerz
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CaliSabresfan24
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toddkaz
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Damn, he still qualifies as a rookie. I didn't even think of him that way.
Jim Bob
RIP RJ
We were thinking Quinn or Peterka or maybe Power as rookie of the year candidates and here comes Luukkonen, jamming himself into the conversation.
You can't spell rookie without a "k" and he's got 6 of 'em.
You can't spell rookie without a "k" and he's got 6 of 'em.
toddkaz
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I think he is gonna surprise us, in a good way.
I could see him putting up a .905+ this year with improved team defense.
toddkaz
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His second half was much better than the first half of his season. He definitely improved as the season went on. I think that continues this year. He wasn't suppose to be in the NHL last year I think we see a much more ready UPL.
Fezzy126
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I actually thought UPL got worse as the year went on and teams started to figure him out.
joshjull
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Yep. He played his best in December and January and fell off badly after the All Star break. But ended on strong note right after Levi signed and before he took over. I don't think that was a coincidence.I actually thought UPL got worse as the year went on and teams started to figure him out.
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Deep Blue Metallic
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UPL taking a big step forward might be the single biggest factor toward securing a playoff berth.
It would take pressure off of Levi, allowing him to ease into the grind of an NHL schedule, rather than being thrown prematurely into a starting role. Even a 1A/1B situation would be preferable to Levi shouldering most of the load in his first full season.
I'll be much less concerned about the goalie situation if the Sabres improve their PK and defensive zone play. Surely they can't get worse.
Fingers crossed to have all of those nice things.
It would take pressure off of Levi, allowing him to ease into the grind of an NHL schedule, rather than being thrown prematurely into a starting role. Even a 1A/1B situation would be preferable to Levi shouldering most of the load in his first full season.
I'll be much less concerned about the goalie situation if the Sabres improve their PK and defensive zone play. Surely they can't get worse.
Fingers crossed to have all of those nice things.
If he improves his consistency he will be a good starter he flashes great ability and goalies typically have a longer development curve.
Don't forget he had ankle surgery after the season. We don't know how long that had been bothering him; it's certainly possible that's what caused his Feb-Mar regression.
