Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen Day-to-Day With Lower Body Injury

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was a surprise scratch for the Buffalo Sabres’ game against the Florida Panthers on Thursday. The Sabres announced pregame that Luukkonen is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. In a corresponding move, goaltender Dustin Tokarski was recalled from the Rochester Americans of the AHL.

What exactly happened to Luukkonen remains a mystery, as he was taking all of the starter’s reps in the morning skate. Eric Comrie was working on the other end of the ice and ended up as the team’s starting goalie. Comrie did come off the ice much earlier than he normally would, as it is customary for a backup to remain on the ice to work with the night’s reserves.

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We’ll find out more postgame from head coach Don Granato regarding the injury and Luukkonen’s status, but the early day-to-day designation is a good sign of the seriousness of the issue.

Luukkonen before the injury was 13-13-2 in 29 appearances this season with a 2.51 goals-against average and .913 save percentage. His 17.44 goals saved above expected have him tied for seventh in the NHL in the category according to Evolving Hockey.

Must Read: Granato Gives Luukkonen Update Postgame