Devon Levi is learning the hard way and is sure his progress wouldn't be smooth. A stint in the American League was necessary for the Quebec goaltender, but he emerged stronger.
Heading into his first career duel against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday in Buffalo, the wearer of the Sabers color was full of confidence. On Thursday evening he played his best game of the season and defeated the strong Boston Bruins 3-1.
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His time with the Rochester Americans a week ago allowed him to work on new things. This short internship was beneficial for the 21-year-old young man.
“I think I learned some very useful lessons during my stay in Rochester,” Levi said Friday. His remarks were translated by the website NHL.com. Even though it was short, I got a lot out of it. I think it was very good for me and I will remember this experience for a long time. I'm honestly grateful that I was able to meet the guys that play there, played two games with them, developed with them and of course I was grateful to be back at Buffalo to play this game. “
“I just corrected certain elements of my game,” he continued. I felt like the chaos in the AHL forced me to really focus on the puck and track it even better. I think working on these two fundamentals had an impact on my playing. It helped me come back here.”
Too fast?
Being a goalkeeper at the highest level is no easy task, but the Dollard-des-Ormeaux native does it quite well. His remarkable performance in the final weeks of the 2022-2023 season caused confusion in Buffalo, but his aggressive use early in the current campaign may not have been wise.
A visit to the school club was necessary and Levi responded in the best possible way.
“It's definitely a challenge, and I think that given the chaos that's out there, taking on that challenge and adding this type of tool to our toolbox can only help you,” he said. It won't always be pretty. I believe that all of these movements help improve our game. We have to be alert if we want to see the puck.
It now remains to be seen whether he will be sent into battle against CH, which would be the second special duel in a row. He played against the Bruins again at TD Garden, where he won the Beanpot Tournament with Northeastern University.