Devon Levi wins stellar NHL debut for Buffalo Sabres

“Le-vi, Le-vi, Levi!”

The chant was in response to a brilliant save that showcased the exceptional talent that made Levi one of the best goalies in the history of NCAA men’s hockey. He tracked the puck from right to left on a cross-ice pass by the New York Rangers and slid to make a sprawling save on a one-timer by Kaapo Kakko to maintain the Buffalo Sabres’ lead in the second period Friday night.

“That was a pretty unbelievable save,” marveled defenseman Mattias Samuelsson.

The crowd roared. Levi’s family and friends celebrated. This was the type of moment he visualized long before his trade to the Sabres in July 2021 or his record-setting performance at the IIHF World Junior Championship.

Showcasing the precise technique that earned him the crease only a few weeks after leaving Northeastern University to turn pro, Levi delivered a stellar debut filled with clutch saves and Jeff Skinner scored in overtime to give the Sabres a 3-2 win.

“It was a dream come true,” Levi beamed. “I’ve dreamt of that moment my whole life.”

The fourth-youngest goalie to debut for the Sabres, Levi made 31 saves, including 19 during a dramatic third period, and neither of the Rangers’ goals beat him clean.

Kakko scored by whacking the puck out of mid-air when it was chipped over Levi, then Adam Fox tied it with 10:15 left in the third period by poking a loose puck over the line. Levi kept the score tied with four saves during a Rangers power play, then he denied Artemi Panarin, who got the puck in the slot with 1:28 remaining.

Skinner scored his 32nd goal of the season 1:49 into…