Rasmus Dahlin’s Five-Point Night Powers Sabres Past Slumping Maple Leafs
TORONTO - The Buffalo Sabres are heating up at just the right time, and Tuesday night in Toronto, they put the rest of the Atlantic Division on notice. Led by a monster five-point performance from captain Rasmus Dahlin - who notched his first career NHL hat trick and added two assists - the Sabres rolled to a 7-4 win over the Maple Leafs, extending their win streak to four games.
It wasn’t just Dahlin lighting the lamp. Buffalo got contributions up and down the lineup, with Tage Thompson marking his 500th NHL game in style with a goal and an assist. Josh Doan, Alex Tuch, and Jack Quinn also found the back of the net, helping the Sabres improve to 30-17-5 on the season.
Buffalo’s offensive onslaught was impressive, but they also had to navigate adversity early. Starting goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen exited in the first period after allowing two goals on five shots due to a lower-body injury.
That put the pressure on Colten Ellis, who stepped in and delivered in relief, stopping 16 shots to earn the win in just his second NHL appearance. Mattias Samuelsson quietly had himself a night too, tallying three assists and playing a key role in Dahlin’s go-ahead goal.
Toronto, meanwhile, continues to spiral. Despite a pair of strong performances from Auston Matthews and Max Domi - each with a goal and two assists - and a goal and assist from Bobby McMann, the Maple Leafs couldn’t stop the bleeding. Matthew Knies added a goal, but it wasn’t enough to salvage a homestand that’s gone completely off the rails.
The Leafs wrapped up their five-game stretch at Scotiabank Arena with just a single point to show for it (0-4-1), and have now dropped seven of their last eight (1-5-2). Once in the thick of the playoff race, Toronto is now watching the gap widen. They entered the night six points back of the second Eastern Conference wild-card spot - they now sit eight points behind the surging Sabres in the Atlantic.
Key Moment: Dahlin Takes Over
The turning point came late in the second period. With the game tied 3-3, Dahlin made a captain’s play - positioning himself in front of Toronto goaltender Joseph Woll and getting a perfect deflection on a point shot from Samuelsson.
That gave Buffalo a 4-3 lead and all the momentum heading into the third. From there, they didn’t look back.
This was a statement game from Dahlin, who’s been anchoring the Sabres’ blue line all season. But on a night like this, he didn’t just anchor - he elevated. The hat trick, the assists, the leadership - it was all on display.
Around the Rink
Before puck drop, the Maple Leafs honored franchise legend Darryl Sittler, commemorating the 50th anniversary of his historic 10-point game - six goals and four assists - against the Boston Bruins back in 1976. It was a fitting tribute, but unfortunately for Toronto fans, the current squad couldn’t channel any of that magic.
Josh Doan’s goal was a special one - his first since inking a seven-year extension with Buffalo. It also came with a little added drama, as his father, Shane Doan, is currently serving as a special adviser to Leafs GM Brad Treliving.
What’s Next
The Sabres return home to host the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday as they look to keep their hot streak going. With the best record in the NHL since December 9 (19-3-1), Buffalo is playing like a team that’s not just chasing a playoff spot - they’re eyeing a deep run.
The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, hit the road for a matchup with the Seattle Kraken. With their season slipping, Toronto needs answers - and fast.