Sabres vs. Maple Leafs Game Preview: Buffalo Eyes History, Toronto Looks to Hold Ground
Puck drop: Jan. 27, 7:00 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
It’s not just another Atlantic Division showdown tonight - it’s a chance for the Buffalo Sabres to etch their names into franchise history. With a win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo would notch its 19th victory in a 23-game stretch - something the Sabres have never done before. And if recent form is any indication, they’re more than capable of pulling it off.
Let’s break down what’s at stake, what’s working for both teams, and who to keep an eye on when the puck drops in Toronto.
Where Things Stand
Buffalo Sabres: 29-17-5, 63 points - 3rd in the Atlantic
Toronto Maple Leafs: 24-19-9, 57 points - 7th in the Atlantic
Buffalo is riding high, sitting third in the division and playing arguably the best hockey of any team in the league since early December. Toronto, meanwhile, is trying to claw its way back into the playoff picture, and a win tonight could be a much-needed spark.
Special Teams Snapshot
Both teams have been solid on the penalty kill - top-six units, in fact - but their power plays leave a bit to be desired.
- Buffalo Power Play: 18.8% (21st)
- Buffalo Penalty Kill: 83.6% (6th)
- Toronto Power Play: 17.2% (25th)
- Toronto Penalty Kill: 83.7% (4th)
So if this one turns into a special teams battle, don’t expect fireworks with the man advantage - but do expect some tight, disciplined play when down a man.
Projected Starting Goalies
- Buffalo: Alex Lyon (12-6-3, 2.70 GAA, .911 SV%)
- Toronto: Joseph Woll (11-6-4, 2.81 GAA, .913 SV%)
Alex Lyon is chasing history of his own. He’s won nine straight starts - and one more tonight would give him the longest winning streak by a Sabres goaltender in franchise history. He’s been the backbone of Buffalo’s recent surge, and with the team allowing just 2.36 goals per game since Dec. 9 (best in the NHL), it’s clear the Sabres are locking things down in front of him.
Buffalo’s Red-Hot Run
Since Dec. 9, the Sabres are 18-3-1, leading the league with 37 points over that stretch. They’ve picked up at least one point in 19 of their last 22 games and have won three straight heading into tonight.
On the road? Even better.
Buffalo has taken 11 of its last 13 away from home, outscoring opponents 45-26 during that stretch. This team isn’t just winning - it’s doing it with authority.
Milestones and Momentum
Tage Thompson is set to skate in his 500th NHL game tonight. And he’s not just reaching a milestone - he’s doing it while on a heater.
Thompson has 32 points in his last 26 games, including 22 points in his last 16. He’s been the offensive engine for Buffalo, and when he’s rolling, the Sabres are tough to stop.
Rasmus Dahlin is closing in on history, too. The dynamic defenseman is just three points away from becoming only the second blueliner in Sabres history to reach 400 career points. He’s got eight points in his last eight games and continues to be a force at both ends of the ice.
Other Sabres to Watch
- Noah Ostlund: Three points in his last three games - the rookie’s confidence is growing.
- Jason Zucker: Seven points in his last six games, including goals in back-to-back contests.
- Mattias Samuelsson: Four assists in his last three games, quietly contributing from the back end.
- Peyton Krebs: Three-game point streak (2G, 2A), five points in his last five games.
- Konsta Helenius: Four points in his last three - another young forward making his mark.
Toronto’s Key Contributors
- William Nylander: Despite playing just 37 games, he leads the team with 48 points (17G, 31A).
- John Tavares: Still producing at a high clip with 44 points in 52 games.
- Matthew Knies: Emerging as a serious playmaker with 43 points, including 31 assists.
Toronto’s top-end talent can still take over a game - and with a home crowd behind them, the Leafs will be looking to halt Buffalo’s momentum and climb out of the Atlantic basement.
Lineup Notes
Buffalo’s projected forward lines:
- Josh Doan - Tage Thompson - Alex Tuch
- Jason Zucker - Ryan McLeod - Jack Quinn
- Zach Benson - Noah Ostlund - Konsta Helenius
- Jordan Greenway - Peyton Krebs - Beck Malenstyn
Defense pairs:
- Mattias Samuelsson - Rasmus Dahlin
- Bowen Byram - Owen Power
- Zach Metsa - Michael Kesselring
Goaltenders:
- Alex Lyon
- Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
- Colten Ellis
Injuries:
Buffalo is still dealing with a handful of injuries, including Justin Danforth, Jiri Kulich, Conor Timmins, Josh Dunne, Josh Norris, and Jacob Bryson - all on the shelf for now.
What to Watch For
This game has all the ingredients: a red-hot team chasing history, a divisional rival fighting to stay in the hunt, and a goaltender looking to set a franchise record. Buffalo has been the NHL’s best team over the last six weeks, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down.
If they keep playing the way they have - structured, opportunistic, and defensively sound - they could walk out of Scotiabank Arena with another two points and a page in the record books.
But don’t count out the Leafs. With Nylander and Tavares leading the charge, and Woll capable of stealing a game, Toronto has the firepower to spoil Buffalo’s party.
Puck drops at 7:00 p.m. ET. Buckle up - this one could be a statement game on both sides.