Sabres’ Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to start Game 4 vs. Canadiens

The Buffalo Sabres are making a change in net for Game 4 of their second-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will be between the pipes for Buffalo at the Bell Centre on Tuesday, his first start since Game 2 of the Sabres’ first-round series against the Boston Bruins.

Here’s what you need to know.

You can also see our full Sabres vs. Canadiens Game 4 preview here.

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Lyon to Luukkonen

After winning Game 1 at home, Buffalo’s Alex Lyon has struggled in back-to-back losses, allowing nine goals on 63 shots (.857 save percentage).

Luukkonen began the playoffs as the Sabres’ starter, but lost his spot after allowing four goals on 20 shots in a Game 2 loss against Boston. The 27-year-old posted a 22-9-3 record with a 2.52 goals-against average and .910 SV over 35 regular season games.

Lyon made 36 appearances in the regular season, going 20-10-4 with a 2.77 GAA and .907 SV.

More lineup tinkering

Veteran defenceman Luke Schenn is also expected to draw into the lineup for Buffalo in Game 4. Schenn, who was working on the penalty kill at Tuesday’s morning skate, will play on the bottom pairing with Connor Timmins.

This will be the 36-year-old Schenn’s playoff debut for the Sabres. He played four regular season games for Buffalo after he was acquired from the Winnipeg Jets at this year’s trade deadline. Schenn has a goal and six assists in 50 games split between Winnipeg and Buffalo this year.