Three Nights, Three Different Goaltending Answers

Goaltending decided three separate games in different ways.

In Buffalo the game turned when Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen came in relief and steadied the Sabres’ net; the relief appearance gave their lineup a chance to convert chances into goals. In Ottawa Linus Ullmark delivered a workmanlike start that kept the Senators ahead throughout; Ottawa’s strong early-season form and Ullmark’s stops helped preserve a multi-goal margin. In Minnesota Jesper Wallstedt handled sustained pressure from Vegas and helped the Wild protect an early lead, supporting Minnesota’s 4-1-1 start and top spot in the Central Division. The evening also included a notable goalie change elsewhere when a starter exited and his backup finished the game, a reminder that crease depth matters: teams that can plug a capable netminder midgame avoid late collapses. Across the three nights the message was plain — whether a hot starter or a cold sub, goaltending depth and in-game goalie choices directly altered outcomes.