First back to Sabres practice from the 4 Nations Face-Off on Wednesday was goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who spent the last 10 days with Team Finland but did not see any

Lindy Ruff had planned to utilize an emergency backup goalie opposite James Reimer for Wednesday’s practice at KeyBank Center, with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen scheduled to join the team along with fellow 4 Nations Face-Off participants Rasmus Dahlin and Henri Jokiharju later this week.

Luukkonen made 26 saves in Saturday's 8-2 win over the Rangers. The Sabres chased Igor Shesterkin from the game with a five-goal first period, and while Luukkonen's shutout bid ended early in the second on a Chris Kreider power-play tally,

Luukkonen is set to start at home against the Rangers on Saturday, per Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News. Luukkonen has an 18-16-4 record, 3.02 GAA and .895 save percentage in 39 outings in 2024-25.

The Sabres (23-27-5) surged to a 5-0 lead in the first period, securing their fifth win in six games. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen contributed 26 saves, while Ryan McLeod added two goals and Jason Zucker notched three assists.

Rasmus Dahlin will represent Sweden, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Henri Jokiharju will suit up for Finland in the first 4 Nations Face-Off.

Lindy Ruff had planned to utilize an emergency backup goalie opposite James Reimer for Wednesday’s practice at KeyBank Center, with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen scheduled to join the team along with fellow 4 Nations Face-Off participants Rasmus Dahlin and Henri Jokiharju later this week.

Luukkonen made 26 saves in Saturday's 8-2 win over the Rangers.

Did you know the Sabres are tied for fifth in the NHL in goals at 5 on 5 with 121 − the same number as Edmonton and Tampa Bay? And there's no Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl or Nikita Kucherov on the Buffalo roster.

Coach Lindy Ruff said he wasn't concerned about Luukkonen's inactivity, given that he kept skating and has plenty of time to ramp up before Saturday's game here against the New York Rangers.

With the 4 Nations Face-off officially underway, the Buffalo Sabres need to finish the season off strong after the break is over.

Thompson’s first goal with 4:28 left in the first sparked Buffalo’s run of three goals in a span of 2:48 for a 5-0 lead. The Rangers allowed Thompson to drive from the right corner to the front of the net and backhand a shot in through Shesterkin’s legs.