NHL EDGE stats: Starting goalie decisions in 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Lyon has been a part of a strong timeshare with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen; the Buffalo Sabres ranked third in team save percentage (.900) this regular season, and their improved goaltending sparked a drastic turnaround. The Sabres were 39-9-5 over their final 53 games dating back to Dec. 9, the best record in the NHL over that span, and ended their 14-season playoff drought.
After losing to the Boston Bruins in Game 2, when Luukkonen allowed a goal from center ice, Buffalo made a goalie change to Lyon, who won Games 3 and 4 on the road to help the Sabres take a 3-1 series lead. Lyon had more shutouts (three) than Luukkonen (one) during the regular season. While Lyon and Luukkonen had identical 5-on-5 save percentages in the regular season (.915), Lyon was much better in 5-on-5 close situations (.925 when game is tied in first or second period or within one goal in third period) compared to Luukkonen (.902).
Lyon is second in the entire NHL in high-danger save percentage (.929) this postseason, stopping 13 of 14 high-danger shots faced. He has also been perfect from perimeter shots on goal, stopping 31 of 31 from midrange and long-range locations combined. Lyon also ranks second in 5-on-5 save percentage (.971) during the playoffs behind Scott Wedgewood of the Avalanche (.973).
