Buffalo Sabres pull Alex Lyon early in crucial Game 6 against Montreal

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon was sensationally pulled midway through the first period of Game 6 against the Montreal Canadiens after conceding three goals on just three shots.

The starting netminder was replaced by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen barely 10 minutes into the opening frame of the elimination match on Saturday night.

Head coach Lindy Ruff had kept his selection a tightly guarded secret following the team’s morning skate.

The swift change was ultimately prompted after Jake Evans extended the visitors’ advantage to 3-1 with his second goal of the postseason.

Frantic first period

The Eastern Conference semifinal tie had actually started perfectly for the hosts when Rasmus Dahlin fired them ahead merely 32 seconds after the puck drop.

However, the Canadian outfit responded ruthlessly with quickfire strikes from Ivan Demidov and Arber Xhekaj.

Following the goaltending substitution, Jason Zucker immediately reduced the deficit to 3-2 with a crucial power-play conversion.

Goaltending woes continue

This quick hook followed a similarly difficult outing for the primary shot-stopper in Game 5.

During that 6-3 defeat, he allowed five goals before eventually making way for his Finnish deputy.

Prior to this high-pressure fixture, the ousted starter boasted a solid 2.25 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage during the playoffs.

In contrast, Luukkonen entered the contest with less convincing post-season statistics, holding a 4.20 average across four previous appearances.