Up from Rochester, Luukkonen ready if called upon

Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen joined the Buffalo Sabres on the ice for practice at KeyBank Center on Monday.
The Sabres are currently dealing with a number of injuries to their goaltenders as Craig Anderson is out month to month with an upper-body injury, Dustin Tokarski is in the NHL's COVID-19 protocol, and newly acquired netminder Malcolm Subban is still being evaluated for an injury sustained Saturday night.
Luukkonen, who was recalled from the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League before practice, served as Aaron Dell's backup on Thursday.

Luukkonen has yet to play in an NHL game this season but is 6-6-0 with an .888 save percentage and a 3.45 goals-against average in 12 games for the Amerks.

"It's mostly about confidence," he said. "You know that you can play, you know that you're a really good goalie and you should be able to play at a high level… I think it just comes down to confidence.".
The 22-year-old Finnish goalie made his NHL debut last season and finished 1-3-0 with a .906 save percentage and 3.88 goals-against average. He missed the final four games of the season due to an ankle injury.
"It is a lot for any player, especially at this level," Sabres head coach Don Granato said. "He's staying competitive and working through it. It doesn't seem to effect the fiber of him or his competitiveness he's had since day one."

Granato said it is too early to name a starter for tomorrow night's home game against the Anaheim Ducks, but Luukkonen said he will be ready if his name is called, even after being off for over a week.
Rochester's last three games have been postponed due to league COVID-19 protocols affecting the team.
"Of course, you're ready when you're called upon, that's why I'm here," Luukkonen said. "The last thing you want to do is change things up."

Buffalo is coming off back-to-back road losses to the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes and have lost eight of their last nine games.
The Ducks are in town tomorrow night with puck drop set for 7:30 p.m. at KeyBank Center. The game can be seen exclusively on ESPN+ and Hulu (a subscription is required).
Buffalo won the previous matchup between the two clubs 4-3 in Anaheim on October 28. Rasmus Asplund was the hero that game, scoring twice, including the game-winner.
The Ducks, who are 13-8-4 on the season, are starting a four-game road trip tonight with a contest against the Capitals.
Tuesday's game opens up a three-game homestand for the Sabres. They'll face the New York Rangers on Friday and the Capitals on Saturday.
Tickets are on sale now.