Last July, the Buffalo Sabres made a savvy move by signing goaltender Alex Lyon to a two-year deal with a $1.5M AAV. Initially viewed as a depth addition, Lyon has since emerged as one of the league's best bargains.
Lyon's Journey to Buffalo
Lyon's path to the NHL wasn't straightforward. After going undrafted, he signed with the Philadelphia Flyers following a standout college career at Yale. He spent time bouncing between the AHL and NHL, primarily in backup roles.
His breakout came during the 2022-23 season with the Florida Panthers. Lyon started the final eight games, including a pivotal 39-save performance against the Sabres, helping the Panthers clinch a playoff spot. This led to a stint with the Detroit Red Wings, where he appeared in 74 games over two seasons.
The Rise of the "Lyon King"
Staying in the Atlantic Division proved beneficial for Lyon. With Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen sidelined by injury, Lyon seized the starting role for the Sabres, kicking off the season with 12 starts in the first 17 games. Despite some early struggles, he rebounded impressively after a brief injury setback.
Celebrating his 33rd birthday on December 9, Lyon backstopped the Sabres to a win over the Oilers, igniting both a team and personal winning streak. The Sabres went on a 10-game tear, with Lyon setting a franchise record by winning 10 consecutive starts. Since then, he's won 17 of his last 19 outings, including a dominant 5-0 shutout against the Sharks.
A Vezina-Worthy Campaign
Lyon's case for the Vezina Trophy is compelling, even if his win total (20-8-3) isn't typical for past winners. In a season without a clear frontrunner, like last year's standout Connor Hellebuyck, Lyon's impact on the Sabres' resurgence is undeniable.
Statistically, Lyon shines with a .915 SV% and a 2.54 GAA. He ranks second in SV% and 12th in GAA among qualified goaltenders.
Advanced metrics further bolster his case, with Lyon placing sixth in goals saved above expected and fourth in SV% above expected. His three shutouts tie him for seventh in the league, underscoring his reliability.
Playoff Considerations
As the Sabres eye a playoff berth, the question of who starts Game 1 looms. Playoff teams typically rely on a single starter, and Lyon appears to be the frontrunner. While his NHL playoff experience is limited, his AHL success, including a Calder Cup win with the Chicago Wolves, showcases his capability under pressure.
With Lyon under contract for another season at a budget-friendly cap hit, the Sabres' front office will likely seek to extend his stay in Buffalo. His performance has certainly earned him a place in the team's future plans.