The National Hockey League’s search for the save of the year may already be over as Buffalo Sabers goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made an extraordinary save in Monday’s game against the New York Rangers.
The Finnish goalkeeper struck early in the third period and prevented the Blueshirts from reducing the deficit. Luukkonen appeared to be beaten by Jimmy Vesey’s throw, but he pulled out his stick at the last second to prevent the puck from going into his net.
• Also read: NHL brings draft back to All-Star game
• Also read: The Maple Leafs want to make a big contribution
The 24-year-old athlete showed incredible vision to spot the puck in time after a beautiful pass from Blake Wheeler. Most fans at Madison Square Garden jumped out of their seats, thinking their favorites had just scored.
The message goes out to other goalkeepers in the league: Luukkonen’s save will be hard to beat.