“It’s surreal” – Devon Levi “excited” for NHL debut against NY Rangers at KeyBank Center, Twitter reacts

Devon Levi and his father Laurent share the excitement as Friday approaches when the star goalie will soak into the NHL spotlight.

<strong>“It’s surreal” – Devon Levi “excited” for NHL debut against NY Rangers at KeyBank Center, Twitter reacts</strong>

Devon Levi [Image Credit: Buffalo News]

Buffalo Sabres star Devon Levi will finally be making his National Hockey League debut on Friday night in the game against NY Rangers at KeyBank Center. Fans have been eagerly anticipating the goalie’s debut as the organization prepares itself for a blast.

Levi was one of the top prospects in the draft and was signed by the Sabres on March 17. He and his father share how excited they are for the day, stating that it still feels “surreal”. Levi is considered one of the top players in the Sabres organization looking at his Northeastern University record.

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Levi has gathered several accolades under his belt including Mike Richter Award as the best netminder in the NCAA Division I, and a 2-time nominee for Hobey Baker Award. It is expected that with Levi’s addition to the team, the Sabres will be able to solve their netminding problem. It’s been a thorn in their side for the 2022-23 season.

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Sabres coach has high expectations from rookie star Devon Levi

Devon Levi [Image Credit: Northeastern University Athletics]
Devon Levi [Image Credit: Northeastern University Athletics]

Devon Levi stated, “I’ve been dreaming of this moment for my whole life”. “For it to finally be here, it’s a big deal. I’m going to be really excited.” Currently the Sabres are 5 points behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for the final playoff berth. 

During his college year, Levi had a record of a .924 save percentage, the 2nd best mark of all-time, just a step ahead of former Sabres goalie Ryan Miller. Now with only 9 games remaining in the regular season, the team may need the final push to qualify in the race for the Stanley Cup.

“I love it”. “It’s a great situation to be in. I want to help this team make a playoff run, and it just makes the game even more valuable, even more pressure,” Levi stated. 

According to WIVB, Sabres coach Don Granto has high expectations from the rookie, as he praised him stating, “Tomorrow you go into a game and you know that 18 other skaters are aware they have a first-time goaltender in the net”. 

“They’re well aware when a new guy comes in the lineup. And I think this being a goaltender they’re going to be more dialed in the defensive aspects than maybe they would otherwise because they want to support him, they want to make sure they support him as a new player.”

Even Levi’s father Laurent commented on how excited the whole family is to see their son debuting in the highest stage of ice hockey, “At the end, he’s going to say that it’s just another step in the right direction and, ultimately, another game”. 

“A big game, but he’s going to enjoy it. That’s what we’re going to do. It’s just a great moment for us to soak it up and enjoy it. Then, we’ll look forward to the next one. It’s surreal.”

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