9/82: October 25 vs. Buffalo Sabres

Final Score: Leafs 4, Sabres 3 (OT)

Given a breakaway in the extra frame, John Tavares made no mistake as he beat Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to give the Leafs a much-needed win Saturday afternoon.

The win came barely 24 hours after a disappointing 5-3 loss in Buffalo.

It’s not often you see a hockey game where both teams score exactly once every period. Buffalo’s been playing much better hockey ever since they erupted for an 8-4 victory over the Ottawa Senators on October 15 and immediately followed it up with a 3-0 win over the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on October 18.

Prior to those two impressive wins, the Sabres had played three home games and were outscored 12-4.

Notable for this game was William Nylander being a healthy scratch. I can only speculate on why. My best guess is he might have just been off in practice or something. This isn’t a long-term concern. There would have been way more noise around this if so. He was only announced as out right before the game so it’s likely not an injury.

If you missed this game, you missed Jake McCabe absolutely clocking Alex Tuch right in the chin. Tuch instigated after McCabe fairly took down another Sabre in from of Leafs’ goalie Cayden Primeau.

Nick Robertson scored his first goal of the season, a great play that developed behind the Sabres’ net. Auston Matthews and Easton Cowan drew assists on the goal.

The one thing I’d like to see more of is consistency on the power play. Toronto finished 0/3 Saturday, while giving up a Tage Thompson goal on a Buffalo power play.

Regardless, Toronto snaps a three-game losing streak with an important home win.

The Leafs next host the Calgary Flames Tuesday night. 6pm ET puck drop as Tuesday will also be game 4 of the World Series!