Player Discussion Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (2017, 54th)
- Thread starter Chainshot
- Start date
Last season I saw a big athletic goalie that had talent but played spastic behind terrible defense. Fundamentals went out the window as he scrambled laterally in vain against HDCs. Despite that he had stretches of showing #1 ability, and looked like he could turn a corner if he had some stable defense. I mean, not good defense, but at least not 5 odd-mans or breakaways every start.
To me he showed great potential, but it was clear at the beginning of this season that KA and/or the coaching staff thought a lot less of him, or maybe decided that Levi was all that as a rookie. Either way it's one of the issues that makes me seriously question their collective judgement. UPL didn't get a start until almost two weeks into the season. Levi continued to get starts after showing he wasn't ready, when Comrie got hurt and UPL was already showing to be the better guy.
The bias or poor judgement was clear from the start. I just hope they don't stay hard-headed about the situation and force Levi as the starter or 1A guy whenever he's done in Rochester (unless he REALLY proves it).
To me he showed great potential, but it was clear at the beginning of this season that KA and/or the coaching staff thought a lot less of him, or maybe decided that Levi was all that as a rookie. Either way it's one of the issues that makes me seriously question their collective judgement. UPL didn't get a start until almost two weeks into the season. Levi continued to get starts after showing he wasn't ready, when Comrie got hurt and UPL was already showing to be the better guy.
The bias or poor judgement was clear from the start. I just hope they don't stay hard-headed about the situation and force Levi as the starter or 1A guy whenever he's done in Rochester (unless he REALLY proves it).
Jim Bob
RIP RJ
I hope that UPL's growth this season shows the Buffalo FO how it takes goalies time to develop properly.
I also hope that they make a move this offseason to add a solid 1B with UPL as there is a decent chance that he takes a step back next season because goalies.
Matt Ress
Don't sleep on me
Noticeably less cross ice one timers is probably helpful for goalies.
Moncton man
Registered User
An improving goalie on a struggling team and an inceasing salary cap would sign a contract that would make him the 34th highest paid goalie because?? Would $4 million a season be unreasonable?
Levi at least had and still has a winning record, though UPL absolutely should have been the backup and not the #3 to start the year, getting a few more starts during the start of the season
BG82
Registered User
The Colonel
Registered User
- Jul 7, 2008
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Granato no doubt will heavily punish him and damage his confidence- perhaps combined with some praise for Levi in the press- as is tradition.
Old Navy Goat
Registered User
Whodathunkit that recovery from double hip surgery and regular playing time might have resulted in a legitimate NHL goalie
What I like about Luukkonen (and this run he's been on) -- is it doesn't seem like a fluke.
He's looks a steady, blue-collar sort, who appears to be well prepared each night to put in good shift of 60 (or more) minutes.
His improvement has been of the steady variety, too.
He's looks a steady, blue-collar sort, who appears to be well prepared each night to put in good shift of 60 (or more) minutes.
His improvement has been of the steady variety, too.
Old Navy Goat
Registered User
It's confidence, he knows the net is his. As @Chainshot said he's looking like his old Sudbury self
Doug Prishpreed
Registered User
14 games this year already is a shit load of ice time too. Sweet jesus.
- Jul 25, 2016
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It also shows that tenders need reps. They need to see alot of pucks to stay sharp. It appears we are seeing that pay dividends in Rochester as well. One has to wonder why it took so long.
Jim Bob
RIP RJ
It took until Ullmark's D+7 season for him to be a solid NHL goalie.
This is UPL's D+7 season.
Maybe it didn't take long and it just took what it takes...
Howie Hodge
Zombie Woof
Looks to be far more confident in playing his angles, to me.
And his confidence in reading his angles and adjusting was especially clear during the shootout v Carolina. He is ahead of the shooters currently, whereas in the past he was strictly reacting.
And his confidence in reading his angles and adjusting was especially clear during the shootout v Carolina. He is ahead of the shooters currently, whereas in the past he was strictly reacting.
- Jul 25, 2016
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I wasn't referring to UPLs timeframe. Rather the fact any goalie needs to see as many pucks as possible, especially a starter. I thought splitting time early was detrimental to both goalies.
Jim Bob
RIP RJ
Gotcha.
I think it is a sign that they mishandled Levi.
GMs oftentimes overvalue "their guys" over guys they inherited. I think that may have been a factor in how they have handled things with Levi since he signed last year.
Weltschmerz
Front Running Fan
- Apr 22, 2007
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