Buffalo Sabres goaltender Colten Ellis makes first NHL start against Detroit

Colten Ellis, a 25-year-old goalie claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Blues, is set to make his first NHL start for the Buffalo Sabres against the Detroit Red Wings. Ellis has spent time as a backup and has shown strong performance in the AHL with Springfield, boasting a 2.63 goals-against average and .922 save percentage last season. The Sabres are making lineup changes with Ellis starting due to injuries and conditioning assignments affecting other goalies, including Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Alongside Ellis, rookie center Noah Ostlund will be inserted into the lineup, centering the third line, as the Sabres look to improve after a recent loss to Montreal. Coach Lindy Ruff praised Ellis's work ethic and expressed confidence in his readiness, while noting Ostlund's potential to contribute offensively and defensively. Ellis is facing a challenging debut as Detroit comes into the game on a five-game winning streak averaging 3.80 goals per game.