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Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s instant reaction to Sabres Game 7 loss says it all
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- Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s instant reaction to Sabres Game 7 loss says it all
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen's instant reaction to Sabres Game 7 loss says it all appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
While it was a storybook season for the Buffalo Sabres , who managed to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2011 and also advanced for the first time since 2007, their campaign came to a heartbreaking end on Monday evening at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens.
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Canadiens forward Alex Newhook, who tallied the game-winning goal in their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, played the role of hero once again, scoring the overtime game-winner and series-winning goal by snapping a shot past the glove of Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen , who immediately looked to the rafters in disgust.
After skating off the ice onto the bench to be with his teammates before the ceremonial postgame handshake, Luukkonen was seen launching his mask down the hallway in anger after allowing the series-cliching goal.
Luukkonen was named the starter for Game 7 by Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff, who inserted him into Game 6 starting in the second period after Alex Lyon was victimized for three goals on four shots in the first period.
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Luukkonen, who was initially named the starter for the Sabres in their opening round series against the Boston Bruins before being replaced by Lyon in Game 2, stopped all 18 shots that the Canadiens fired his way and picked up the victory, helping Buffalo force Game 7.
But because they weren't able to overcome Montreal, the Canadiens move on to play the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final. The Sabres will have to try again next year, which will mark the 20th anniversary of their most recent Conference Final appearance.
Related: Sabres' Lindy Ruff sends heartbreaking message after Game 7 loss
Related: 3 Sabres most to blame for heartbreaking 2nd-round loss vs. Canadiens
