Devon Levi is back with the Buffalo Sabres and ready to make his mark once again as he’s been recalled to start against the Toronto Maple Leafs on the afternoon of December 15, 2024. Head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed the news, highlighting not just the importance of Levi’s performance but the dire situation the Sabres find themselves in following nine consecutive losses.
The Sabres’ current predicament has been tough to swallow for fans and players alike. After losing to the Washington Capitals just the day before, the team is desperate for any spark to ignite their season. Having recalled Levi from the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League (AHL), Ruff hopes the 22-year-old goalie can provide just the energy boost they need.
“When we sent him down, we wanted to get him playing,” Ruff explained about the team’s decision back in mid-November to swap Levi for veteran goalie James Reimer after struggling to find consistent play. "The opportunity, with us getting in at 2 a.m., is he could be here rested, versus everybody else coming in tired,” he added. Buffalo had hoped to allow Levi to regain his form through consistent ice time, and it appears the strategy is set to pay off this afternoon.
Levi’s stats at the AHL level have been impressive. The young goalie played nine games for the Amerks, completing them with a strong 7-1-1 record, marked by two shutouts and boasting a 2.08 goals-against average (GAA) with a .916 save percentage. This sharp turn yielded optimism surrounding his return to the NHL stage, where he had previously struggled with Buffalo. Early this season, he recorded a disheartening 2-5-0 record, punctuated by a lackluster 3.95 GAA and .870 save percentage over seven games.
Levi’s recall reflects not just his talent but the Sabres’ urgency to rapidly shift gears. Riding the coattails of his AHL success, the expectation is high as they also face the upset of Toronto, whose own recent form has diminished morale. The pressure is mounting with the Leafs also coming off a tough loss against the Detroit Red Wings just the day prior, where they lost 4-2.
“He’s going to play this game, and we’ll make a decision,” Ruff remarked, indicating they would evaluate Levi’s performance closely to see if this would be the beginning of his longer-term re-integration or merely a temporary fix for the team's struggles. Both scoring and goaltending leave much to be desired for the Sabres who have averaged just 2.22 goals per game during their skid.
While Buffalo's situation looms heavy, it also presents Levi with the chance to show he can thrive at the NHL level. Having excelled throughout the earlier phases of his career, including being deemed one of college hockey's best goaltenders, Levi’s opportunity against the Leafs is one he cannot afford to 'overthink.' Now, every save he makes, alongside every goal against, can shift perceptions and change narratives.
On the backend, the Sabres will also see some lineup changes as they navigate the tough schedule and adjust underperforming players. Defenseman Ryan Johnson was sent to the Amerks to clear space for Levi. Meanwhile, Rasmus Dahlin’s absence due to back spasms and Jack Quinn's recent performance will impact the roster's changes as well.
Today's game will serve not just as another opportunity against the high-flying Leafs but as Levi’s platform to regain confidence and prove the potential he was long celebrated for when he was taken as the seventh-round pick by the Florida Panthers before being acquired by the Sabres as part of the Sam Reinhart trade.
With both teams having faced their share of challenges, today's encounter at Scotiabank Arena promises to be one marked by intensity. Levi’s performance will undoubtedly be under scrutiny, as the Sabres and their fans look for all the right signs against one of the fiercest competitors, the Maple Leafs.
This matchup highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptability within the fast-paced world of professional hockey. The outcome could very well set new expectations for the Sabres moving forward. Only time will tell if today marks the start of the turnaround they so desperately need.
