Buffalo Sabres: A Legacy of Goaltending
As the Buffalo Sabres kick off their 56th season, they reflect on a rich legacy that has recently been marred by a frustrating 14-year absence from the playoffs. This franchise has seen 15 players honored in the Hockey Hall of Fame, among countless others who have made significant contributions over the years. In the upcoming weeks, we will examine the franchise’s history by focusing on individual player contributions associated with their jersey numbers, starting with the number one spot.
Notable Players Wearing Number ‘1’
The number ‘1’ has been worn by eight notable players in the Sabres’ history. Let’s take a look at the top three:
Top Three Goaltenders
Third Place: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who currently serves as the Sabres’ starting goaltender, was drafted 54th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. The Finnish player shone in junior leagues, becoming the OHL’s Most Valuable Player, and contributed to Finland’s World Junior Championship win in 2019. Since joining Buffalo, Luukkonen has notched a record of 71 wins against 65 losses, along with 15 overtime losses over the span of more than three seasons.
Second Place: Don Edwards made his debut in the NHL at just 21 years old during the 1976-77 season, stepping in as a backup for Gerry Desjardins after replacing veteran Al Smith. He quickly became the number one goaltender following Desjardins’ injury, clinching an impressive 38 wins that year to lead the league. Edwards, who primarily played alongside Bob Sauve—a Vezina Trophy winner in 1980—currently ranks third all-time in victories for the Sabres with a total of 156.
First Place: Roger Crozier, a former Calder Trophy recipient, made history as the first player to earn the Conn Smythe Trophy while playing for a losing team in the Stanley Cup Final with Detroit in 1966. His time with the Red Wings was plagued by chronic pancreatitis, which led to significant gaps in his playing time. In 1970, Crozier was traded to the newly formed Sabres, where despite ongoing health challenges, he made a crucial impact by guiding the team to their inaugural playoff berth in 1973. During Buffalo’s memorable journey to the Stanley Cup Final in 1975, he achieved a remarkable 17-2-1 record and maintained a 2.62 GAA. Crozier concluded his career with 74 wins, 76 losses, and 29 ties with the Sabres.
These rankings underscore the significance of goaltending in the Sabres’ history as they strive to improve upon their past seasons while pushing toward a playoff return once more.
Stay tuned for further explorations into the storied past of the Buffalo Sabres as we highlight more of the franchise’s legendary players in the weeks ahead.
