Alex Lyon set for Game 3 as Sabres shuffle lineup

alex lyon is expected to take the net for the Buffalo Sabres in Game 3 against the Boston Bruins on Thursday night in Boston. The change comes after Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen started the first two games but was pulled early in the third period of Game 2 after allowing four goals on 20 shots. Buffalo is also expected to be without Josh Norris because of injury.

Goalie change points to a reset

Morning skate offered the clearest sign that alex lyon is moving into the starting role, with Lyon working alone in one net while Luukkonen and Colten Ellis shared reps in the other. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff did not confirm the decision directly, but he called the goalie situation “top secret” and said the club has used three goalies this season.

Ruff framed the move as part of the team’s broader depth rather than a dramatic shift in approach. “We know we’re a good team because of the depth of our goaltending, ” Ruff said. “We know we’re a good team because of the depth of our forwards. ”

alex lyon brings a different recent history

alex lyon and Luukkonen split the workload for much of the season, and Lyon missed the final week of the regular season with an injury before returning to back up Luukkonen in the first two games of the series. His road success stood out during the season, and that matters in a building where the Bruins tied for the most home wins in the league.

For Buffalo, the timing is crucial. Game 3 offers a chance to steady the series after the late change in Game 2, and alex lyon gives the Sabres a goalie who has already been part of their rotation through the year.

Josh Norris unavailable, other changes follow

Josh Norris missed the morning skate, and Ruff said he is not available for Game 3 because of injury. He described Norris as day to day. Noah Östlund skated in Norris’ spot on a line with Zach Benson and Josh Doan, while Alex Tuch moved into Norris’ place on the top power-play unit.

Östlund is set for his playoff debut after missing time with an injury since March 25. Rasmus Dahlin praised him as “a special guy” and said he looks as if he has been in the league for years.

Fourth line also in motion

Buffalo made one more adjustment up front, with Tyson Kozak taking Josh Dunne’s place at morning skate between Jordan Greenway and Beck Malenstyn. Kozak played 46 games for the Sabres during the regular season and has not appeared in the Stanley Cup playoffs before.

Ruff said Kozak brings speed, tenacity, and trust in key faceoff situations, calling it an opportunity for him to “jump into the fire” with the team. As Game 3 approaches, the focus remains on whether alex lyon can settle the Sabres and whether the lineup changes can help Buffalo regain control.