Full Breakdown
Sabres Prepare for Potential Lineup Changes Against Islanders
3/31/2026, 2:06:40 PM
Key Player Updates Ahead of Tuesday's Game
In preparation for their upcoming match against the New York Islanders, the Buffalo Sabres are considering the return of Michael Kesselring and Jordan Greenway to the lineup. During Monday's practice, Kesselring moved into a position that could see him replace Conor Timmins, while Greenway, who has been sidelined since January 22 due to injury, may take the place of Tyson Kozak.
Goaltending Situation
The Sabres' goaltending situation appears to be stabilizing, with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen likely to start against the Islanders. Luukkonen has demonstrated impressive form, boasting an 8-1-1 record over his last 11 games, with a 2.34 goals against average and a .924 save percentage. His performance has positioned him as a leading goaltender in the NHL since December 9, where he has achieved a .922 save percentage. Coach Lindy Ruff indicated that Luukkonen's continued strong play may lead to back-to-back starts for the first time since mid-January.
Player Performance and Coach Insights
Kesselring has been absent from the lineup for nine consecutive games, while Greenway's return is seen as promising. Ruff noted that Kesselring has been working hard to regain his form after dealing with injuries, and his recent practice performance has shown improvement. "He's really started to look like he's skating well," Ruff stated, emphasizing Kesselring's potential contribution to the team. Regarding Greenway, Ruff expressed optimism about his readiness, stating, "He's been involved in non-practice physicality drills... feedback I'm getting is he's feeling really great."
Additional Player Status
Noah Ostlund is also a player to watch, as he continues to skate on his own and is currently listed as day-to-day. His status remains uncertain as the team prepares for the game.
Conclusion
As the Sabres gear up for their matchup against the Islanders, the potential return of Kesselring and Greenway, alongside Luukkonen's strong goaltending, could significantly impact the team's performance. The coaching staff remains hopeful about the contributions of these players as they aim to build on their recent successes.
