Patrick Williams, TheAHL.com Features Writer

Devon Levi Proves His Goaltending Prowess in the Calder Cup Playoffs

Devon Levi has actually strengthened his track record as a goaltender efficient in leading a group through the rigors of a routine season. Now, at simply 23 years of ages, the gifted Rochester Americans goaltender is showing that he can reproduce this success in the extremely competitive Calder Cup Playoffs also.

Levi accomplished exceptional success by protecting 2 nothings in simply 3 video games, contributing substantially to the Amerks’ remarkable sweep of the Syracuse Crunch in their best-of-five North Division semifinal series. In the series-clinching video game on Thursday, he provided an impressive efficiency with 30 conserves, extending his nothing streak to an excellent 156 minutes and 31 seconds. So far in these playoffs, he has actually effectively stopped 90 out of 92 shots tossed his method.

After signing his entry-level handle the Buffalo Sabres on March 17, 2023, Levi’s initially significant stint with the Amerks started midway through the 2023-24 season. He showcased his ability by providing a dominant efficiency that moved Rochester into the postseason. The Sabres intended to supply their top goaltending possibility with adequate playing time in a beginning function, and Levi reacted by taking part in 23 of the group’s last 36 regular-season video games. He completed with a record of 16-6-4, attaining an impressive 2.42 goals-against average (GAA) and an excellent .927 save portion.

However, the Amerks dealt with obstacles in last spring’s Calder Cup Playoffs, where they stumbled in the department semifinals versus the Crunch, regardless of Levi keeping a good .923 save portion throughout the five-game series. He has actually given that developed on that experience this season, handling a heavy work and attaining a record of 25-13-4 with a 2.20 GAA and a .919 conserve portion. Furthermore, he led the league with an excellent 7 nothings and happily represented the Amerks at the AHL All-Star Classic.

In the last round, Levi left the Crunch disappointed as they had a hard time to profit from their chances. His unfaltering efficiency was vital to the Amerks’ success, and now they excitedly await their next challenger, having actually currently invested numerous days getting ready for a substantial break before the department finals. This extended downtime permits thorough analysis and planning versus either Laval or Cleveland.

This scenario might likewise play to Levi’s benefit, considering his analytical method to the video game. A prolonged playoff run provides an important chance for the Buffalo company, which remains in the middle of a restoring stage. Three years earlier, the Amerks made it to the department finals with a lineup that consisted of significant gamers like Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka, and Peyton Krebs. In 2023, they reached the Eastern Conference Finals with essential contributions from Jiří Kulich and Isak Rosén.

Now, this year’s team exists with a comparable chance to stand out.

“Regardless of the outcome, just being able to compete out there with the guys and play for something that is very meaningful, it jells a group, bonds a group,” Levi shared following the conclusion of the Syracuse series. “Everyone’s doing it for each other.”

“There are times when, as a goalie, you feel isolated in your crease, but you can sense the presence of your team and the unity among us, and that unity was definitely palpable during the series.”

The Amerks came across changes in efficiency leading into the last weeks of the routine season, eventually ending up strong in 2nd location in the North Division. Throughout this duration, Levi became an essential gamer. In his last 5 starts going back to April 16, he permitted just 5 objectives while stopping 138 of 143 shots, leading to an impressive .965 save portion. If we trace back to March 28, it ends up being obvious that he accomplished 4 nothings in his last 11 video games.

As May unfolds and June methods, the Amerks boast a top-tier goaltender, substantially boosting their reliability as a major competitor for the Calder Cup champion.

As Levi interacted to TheAHL.com in February, “I just love stopping pucks.”

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