GDT: Buffalo Sabres @ Toronto Maple Leaves 25 Oct 2025 5:00 pm ET TV: MSG-B, SN1, Radio: WGR 550

[JohnC]

1 hour ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

Why the Power dislike?  Simple, the kid remains terrible defensively.  He keeps making the same mistakes that you gloss over.  For every good play, there are 4-5 bad ones.  

Yes, UPL had no business playing last night.  He was bad and the Sabres should have left him in Rochester as long as possible.  He is not and has never been a good pro goalie.  The contract years was a career year unlikely to ever be repeated.  Time to move on.  However, his deficiencies don't excuse Power for being a one dimensional offensive D who we are overpaying by $4 mill a year; money that would be better allocated elsewhere. 

Playing UPL was a reasonable decision given the choices. Ellis was supposed to start but because of his stiffen back couldn't play. (That's what was reported.) So the choice was between playing UPL or playing Lyon on a back-to-back. Criticizing UPL's is understandable. But criticizing him playing has less merit given the circumstances. 

We have opposite views on Power. I certainly don't consider him to be a defensive stalwart. But that isn't his game and never will be his game. What you and other critics of him are unwilling to yield on is that his style of play is never going to be agreeable to you. I'm confident that he will be one of our emerging and mainstay players for us. 

[Believer]

Personally think it is improbable the Sabres will pull UPL on the basis of one NHL outing after one AHL conditioning game and no training camp. If the Sabres go with three goalies, he is one of them. If they go with two, my bet it is Lyon and UPL

Think it is unfortunate Ellis had a stiff back taking him out of perhaps the biggest game of his career, Hockey Night in Canada in Toronto in front of millions. Wonder if stress didn’t contribute to his back ache? 

[bob_sauve28]

2 minutes ago, Believer said:

Personally think it is improbable the Sabres will pull UPL on the basis of one NHL outing after one AHL conditioning game and no training camp. If the Sabres go with three goalies, he is one of them. If they go with two, my bet it is Lyon and UPL

Think it is unfortunate Ellis had a stiff back taking him out of perhaps the biggest game of his career, Hockey Night in Canada in Toronto in front of millions. Wonder if stress didn’t contribute to his back ache? 

Could be. The mind does strange things to the body under stress. 

 

I'd keep Ellis over UPL. One thing I just love about Ellis is how he plays the puck. He is like another defenseman back there negating a lot of forechecks. I use to HATE playing against goalies like that. He even makes first passes out of the zone really well. 

[PASabreFan]

8 minutes ago, Believer said:

Personally think it is improbable the Sabres will pull UPL on the basis of one NHL outing after one AHL conditioning game and no training camp. If the Sabres go with three goalies, he is one of them. If they go with two, my bet it is Lyon and UPL

Think it is unfortunate Ellis had a stiff back taking him out of perhaps the biggest game of his career, Hockey Night in Canada in Toronto in front of millions. Wonder if stress didn’t contribute to his back ache? 

There's a lot to read between the lines here: (sorry, couldn't copy and paste so went with the ole screenshot). From the OTH.

[Taro T]

3 minutes ago, JohnC said:

Playing UPL was a reasonable decision given the choices. Ellis was supposed to start but because of his stiffen back couldn't play. (That's what was reported.) So the choice was between playing UPL or playing Lyon on a back-to-back. Criticizing UPL's is understandable. But criticizing him playing has less merit given the circumstances. 

We have opposite views on Power. I certainly don't consider him to be a defensive stalwart. But that isn't his game and never will be his game. What you and other critics of him are unwilling to yield on is that his style of play is never going to be agreeable to you. I'm confident that he will be one of our emerging and mainstay players for us. 

Playing UPL was reasonable for the ST but a poor choice for the LT.  If we all know UPL is a head case, surely those working at SHKIII Plaza know it as well.  He has played exactly 1 game that matters (and that only mattered at the minor league level) and hasn't practiced with the big team yet during the RS.  There was little to no chance that he'd've been in the right mental place to believe he had the situation under control; and it turns out that was how it played out.  He played slow and he played small.  Which is how he plays when he's not sure of himself.

It was smart to not play Lyon.  Will accept that they didn't want to pull Levi up especially after having played the night before (though in college they ALWAYS played 2 days in a row so it's not like he's never done that before).  So, as much as this kid hates the idea, to keep from messing with UPL's head, they should've pulled Georgiev up even though they quite likely weren't going to get the 1 point either.  

IF they believe UPL can be redeemed (and it's pretty clear they do, or at minimum did prior to last night, and doubt they changed their opinion in 1 night); they should've given him the starter's net in Monday's practice and the game against the BJs like the plan was originally.  And personally, would've kept him down in Ra-cha-cha for the full 2 week conditioning stint to get his head in as good a place as it could be.  But that horse had already left the barn.

Though short stints, UPL has gotten out of his own head, even for 2 months that 1 time.  But he's always needed to be their only legit option in net and he's needed to trust his hips won't explode if he goes full out and he's needed to have management and teammates showing him the love.  None of that was the case last night.  (They likely were talking him up; but everybody knows that at least for now, the net is Lyons when he's able to go.)  Will be pleasantly surprised if UPL does manage to get out of his own head again this season barring Lyon injury.

[Pimlach]

4 minutes ago, Taro T said:

Playing UPL was reasonable for the ST but a poor choice for the LT.  If we all know UPL is a head case, surely those working at SHKIII Plaza know it as well.  He has played exactly 1 game that matters (and that only mattered at the minor league level) and hasn't practiced with the big team yet during the RS.  There was little to no chance that he'd've been in the right mental place to believe he had the situation under control; and it turns out that was how it played out.  He played slow and he played small.  Which is how he plays when he's not sure of himself.

It was smart to not play Lyon.  Will accept that they didn't want to pull Levi up especially after having played the night before (though in college they ALWAYS played 2 days in a row so it's not like he's never done that before).  So, as much as this kid hates the idea, to keep from messing with UPL's head, they should've pulled Georgiev up even though they quite likely weren't going to get the 1 point either.  

IF they believe UPL can be redeemed (and it's pretty clear they do, or at minimum did prior to last night, and doubt they changed their opinion in 1 night); they should've given him the starter's net in Monday's practice and the game against the BJs like the plan was originally.  And personally, would've kept him down in Ra-cha-cha for the full 2 week conditioning stint to get his head in as good a place as it could be.  But that horse had already left the barn.

Though short stints, UPL has gotten out of his own head, even for 2 months that 1 time.  But he's always needed to be their only legit option in net and he's needed to trust his hips won't explode if he goes full out and he's needed to have management and teammates showing him the love.  None of that was the case last night.  (They likely were talking him up; but everybody knows that at least for now, the net is Lyons when he's able to go.)  Will be pleasantly surprised if UPL does manage to get out of his own head again this season barring Lyon injury.

Good stuff Taro but you go with Lyon in the next game and get a W.  

[Jorcus]

20 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

Upl literally has never done that again. Thxs for proving he's bad. 

So one year removed and its all over? Proves nothing. He may end up being bad but he is a 26 year old goalie.  Jury still out.  What is your alternative at this moment?

[Scottysabres]

1 hour ago, tom webster said:

I didn’t mean to imply that everyone was hating on Power but I do believe that your assessment of the play is incorrect. I wouldn’t want him jumping up in regulation but I want him to make that plsy in overtime 10/10 times. 

I hear ya, and I’d want that as well Tom, only, I’d want him to at least drive the net with the puck, not take the pass then let it slide off in to the corner. If you slow mo the play, frame by frame, you can see he took the pass then spun it on the ice which led to it creaming off in to the corner. Focus, just a second or two more allows one of those players to traverse back to toward the blue line.

[PASabreFan]

Delayed reaction... Ellis went to Toronto on Friday morning? That seems weird. Does it say the team was worried about his mindset?

[Taro T]

3 minutes ago, Pimlach said:

Good stuff Taro but you go with Lyon in the next game and get a W.  

If Lyon felt he'd be good to go, sure.  But almost postive the plan was for him to not even dress yesterday.  So, you're asking a guy that's 2 months shy of 33 to go from not planning on playing at all to getting the start about 8 hours before the game.  

ST probably is the best option; but what are the odds he tweaks something with not having gone through his normal full night before through day of preparation?

Am not risking it unless Bales and Lyon are both 100% with that plan.  If they are, yes, go Lyon.  But expect they weren't both there.

[French Collection]

5 minutes ago, Taro T said:

IF they believe UPL can be redeemed (and it's pretty clear they do, or at minimum did prior to last night, and doubt they changed their opinion in 1 night); they should've given him the starter's net in Monday's practice and the game against the BJs like the plan was originally.  And personally, would've kept him down in Ra-cha-cha for the full 2 week conditioning stint to get his head in as good a place as it could be.  But that horse had already left the barn.

UPL is KA’s guy. He will have a length of leash that is longer than it should be. I think the adults in the room (Ruff, Jarmo) will convince KA it is time to move on if UPL doesn’t turn this around in a few starts.

My opinion on the AHL stint is the same, he should have stayed the max length in order to get his game in order and to get more looks at Ellis.

I am trying to find some positive aspects to the three goalie system and all I can muster is that they need more views of Ellis and UPL to see how this should go. They both only have one game played and it is a major decision to make. UPL has a lengthy body of work that leads me to believe he is not an NHL #1 so I would roll the dice and take a chance on Ellis with Levi as plan C.

[Taro T]

2 minutes ago, PASabreFan said:

Delayed reaction... Ellis went to Toronto on Friday morning? That seems weird. Does it say the team was worried about his mindset?

Eh, could make sense.  The team would be leaving for TO around 11PM and have to go through customs.  He wouldn't get a full night's sleep riding the bus with the team.  And they'd apparently already made the decision to have UPL ride the bench that game.  Why not let him go up early and get a good night's sleep when they don't have a reason to not let him get it?

And the game was early.  So, he wouldn't get his full day of ritual in anyhow if he came with the team.

[bob_sauve28]

7 minutes ago, PASabreFan said:

Delayed reaction... Ellis went to Toronto on Friday morning? That seems weird. Does it say the team was worried about his mindset?

It's about the tariff. If you travel over the border with three goaltenders Trump's tariffs increase by 50%. So it was a cost saving measure 

[SabreFinn]

It is easy to say after a game but I think they should have kept UPL in Rochester for the two weeks and given this game to Levi. 

Three points against Leafs is a  good result and it seems they have a better two way game than I’ve seen in a while. Now just keep taking points. 

[North Buffalo]

2 hours ago, Scottysabres said:

I addressed that 3rd goal early in my post. But I hear ya and agree. But Power…….blew it equally as bad if not worse.

Problem with Power is he thinks too much including on that shot... his hesitations drive me crazy... they always seem not planned but because of doubt... yet he can be awesome when he just goes... wish we could pay someone on the other team to call him a wet dog.

[clink]

1 hour ago, Jorcus said:

It's really the state of goaltending period. If a Stanly cup winner and last years presidents trophy runner up had worse nights than our goalie who missed a big portion of training camp, it's just something that happens. I would describe the frustration with UPL as a state of Inconsistency. Even last year he had good periods of play in the fall and early winter. 

What I would add that goaltending in the NHL is not what it used to be. Lets look at the number of goaltenders with a save percentage better than .910 by year

season ending            number

25                                  10

24                                  16     UPL was 16th.

23                                  17

22                                  26

21                                   25

20                                  30

19                                   29

18                                   31

 

I am not pointing this out to excuse UPL, just to say that there are very few magic bullets out there. You could turn to the unknown quantities but shooting is getting better and will probably end up torching unprepared rookies.  Lots of teams are looking for that guy who can give you .910 all season long. 

What those stats AREN'T showing, is the real problem with playing Mega Meh (aka UPL) 

It's an "eye test" thing, though I'm sure the stats nerds could provide the analytical/empirical evidence to support what I'm seeing, and have been seeing since he's become the heir apparent netminder...

The WHOLE TEAM plays a different game when old sloe hands is in net, and it's not a game with a winning brand, IMO

It's as if they do not trust him to make certain, stock saves and they respond in kind, by playing tight/nervous. His $hitty play has a "cascade effect" on the team, and IF they begin to rely on this bum for multiple games this season, I can almost guarantee that the team warts that we've been plagued with witnessing in the recent past, will present themselves, again....

He's just a cloud of meh, and his downer vibes are contagious

[PASabreFan]

27 minutes ago, SabreFinn said:

It is easy to say after a game but I think they should have kept UPL in Rochester for the two weeks and given this game to Levi. 

Three points against Leafs is a  good result and it seems they have a better two way game than I’ve seen in a while. Now just keep taking points. 

They have to win Tuesday. At least Ruff should be all over that messaging. It has to be about making the playoffs. Tomorrow is Game 10 and Ruff has to drive home they need 11 points in that segment. Minimum acceptable number. Lindy came up with Scotty, who used the 10 game segments (and might have been the first coach to do so; Taro, himself a Segmentarian, will help me out here).

[PASabreFan]

4 minutes ago, clink said:

What those stats AREN'T showing, is the real problem with playing Mega Meh (aka UPL) 

It's an "eye test" thing, though I'm sure the stats nerds could provide the analytical/empirical evidence to support what I'm seeing, and have been seeing since he's become the heir apparent netminder...

The WHOLE TEAM plays a different game when old sloe hands is in net, and it's not a game with a winning brand, IMO

It's as if they do not trust him to make certain, stock saves and they respond in kind, by playing tight/nervous. His $hitty play has a "cascade effect" on the team, and IF they begin to rely on this bum for multiple games this season, I can almost guarantee that the team warts that we've been plagued with witnessing in the recent past, will present themselves, again....

He's just a cloud of meh, and his downer vibes are contagious

Right on with the vibes. Lyon is right vibe at the right time. Enough with turd faced, depressed-looking Swedes.

Or Finns. Whatever.

[JohnC]

1 hour ago, Taro T said:

Playing UPL was reasonable for the ST but a poor choice for the LT.  If we all know UPL is a head case, surely those working at SHKIII Plaza know it as well.  He has played exactly 1 game that matters (and that only mattered at the minor league level) and hasn't practiced with the big team yet during the RS.  There was little to no chance that he'd've been in the right mental place to believe he had the situation under control; and it turns out that was how it played out.  He played slow and he played small.  Which is how he plays when he's not sure of himself.

It was smart to not play Lyon.  Will accept that they didn't want to pull Levi up especially after having played the night before (though in college they ALWAYS played 2 days in a row so it's not like he's never done that before).  So, as much as this kid hates the idea, to keep from messing with UPL's head, they should've pulled Georgiev up even though they quite likely weren't going to get the 1 point either.  

IF they believe UPL can be redeemed (and it's pretty clear they do, or at minimum did prior to last night, and doubt they changed their opinion in 1 night); they should've given him the starter's net in Monday's practice and the game against the BJs like the plan was originally.  And personally, would've kept him down in Ra-cha-cha for the full 2 week conditioning stint to get his head in as good a place as it could be.  But that horse had already left the barn.

Though short stints, UPL has gotten out of his own head, even for 2 months that 1 time.  But he's always needed to be their only legit option in net and he's needed to trust his hips won't explode if he goes full out and he's needed to have management and teammates showing him the love.  None of that was the case last night.  (They likely were talking him up; but everybody knows that at least for now, the net is Lyons when he's able to go.)  Will be pleasantly surprised if UPL does manage to get out of his own head again this season barring Lyon injury.

As you point out, the inescapable deficiency with UPL is that he isn’t mentally tough enough to handle a position that requires tough-mindedness.The best way to make a judgment on that attribute is not how a goalie handles success but rather how one handles adversity. I want him to do well, but I wouldn’t want to count on him. KA made a bet on him and invested on him. KA is not very savvy. 

[Archie Lee]

UPL did have a very good stretch from the start of 23-24 through last November (67 starts, 35 wins, .910 save%, 2.50 GAA, 6 shutouts). But, it is now 11 months since he has been good. If he doesn't turn it around soon, he will be our Cal Peterson. Georgiev is only 2 seasons removed winning 40 games with a .919 save %, and nobody thinks he will be a good NHL goalie again.  Things can go south quickly.

Lyon is clearly the #1 right now. It's not a season for dinking around. 

 

[Scottysabres]

6 minutes ago, Archie Lee said:

UPL did have a very good stretch from the start of 23-24 through last November (67 starts, 35 wins, .910 save%, 2.50 GAA, 6 shutouts). But, it is now 11 months since he has been good. If he doesn't turn it around soon, he will be our Cal Peterson. Georgiev is only 2 seasons removed winning 40 games with a .919 save %, and nobody thinks he will be a good NHL goalie again.  Things can go south quickly.

Lyon is clearly the #1 right now. It's not a season for dinking around. 

 

I like Lyon, Ellis and Levi. If Adams doesn’t seize the moment and trade UPL in a package to bring in some forward meat, he’s a fool, again imho.

[LGR4GM]

1 hour ago, Jorcus said:

So one year removed and its all over? Proves nothing. He may end up being bad but he is a 26 year old goalie.  Jury still out.  What is your alternative at this moment?

I will take anyone else. He's been bad every year but one. 

[PerreaultForever]

8 hours ago, Big Guava said:

No, just that we were the best in the NHL at not losing 3rd period leads with him.

Not true. They were something like 60-2-6 under Granato when leading after 2.

Did they even have 60 wins under Granato? 🙂

Really, I don't think that stat matters or says anything. 

[DarthEbriate]

3 hours ago, Pimlach said:

Giving Lyon a rest, and still getting 1 point is not the worst outcome.  

It’s an optimistic way to look at it. The issue now is how is Luukkonen going to regain his form (as an .880 goalie) by splitting time with two other goalies. That’s the crux of the issue. If you’re going to get him his rehab, it’s in Rochester. Meanwhile, Ellis doesn’t get to build his game. And Lyon… gets rested, which is good, but we the expense of points in the standings.