Believe it or not, but tonight is the first meeting of the season between the Leafs and the Sabres. They face off 4 times in the next 5 weeks. This would be better if the Sabres were, um, in the middle of a playoff race, but as it turns out, not every scorched earth rebuild works.
The Leafs head into this game on a bit of a cold streak, although they have 2 points in their last three games, they have failed to win a game on this current road trip so far. This includes a 5-2 loss in Annapolis, at the hands of the Washington Capitals. Last Monday the Leafs acquired Thomas Plekanec from Montreal and haven't won a game since. I don't think this streak is anything to be worried of as of yet. The Leafs do have an insurmountable lead (one would think) on their playoff spot. Sitting 15 points up on the Florida Panthers. MoneyPuck has The Leafs sit at a 98.29% chance to make the playoffs.
The Sabres on the other hand have won 2 of their last 3, including a 2-1 OT victory over division rival, Tampa Bay Lightning, as well as a 4-1 win over the Boston Bruins the game before. To say this season has been a season to forget for the Sabres would be a gross understatement. They handed out a huge contract to franchise player, Jack Eichel at the beginning of the year. I'm not saying that they over paid. Eichel is an excellent player, but maybe they should have waited to sign that massive 8 year 80 million dollar contract. Maybe he could have slid in at a bit of a cheaper price. The Sabres currently sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and only 1 point up on the Arizona Coyotes, for bottom spot in the league.
Mitch Marner Leads the Leafs in scoring with 53 points.
Jack Eichel leads the way for the Sabres with 53 points as well.
Matt Martin returns to the #leafs lineup in Buffalo tonight.— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 5, 2018
Matt Martin gets back into the lineup tonight. Hasn't played a game since Jan 22. Let's hope this isn't a long term thing.
