The Buffalo Sabres will host the Toronto Maple Leafs at KeyBank Center on March 14, following their first loss since the Olympic break. The Sabres lost 2-1 to Washington on Thursday, ending an eight-game winning streak. Head coach Lindy Ruff said Friday that the team held a productive meeting and focused practice session to address issues from the previous game.
Ruff said, “We’ve tried to just stay with the process, which was a good team meeting this morning. A good, honest meeting about not liking the way that game finished and how we gave away at least a point.” He added, “We went through the key areas. We spent a good period of time on our defending and our support, and then we spent a good period of time on how we’re gonna score goals, how we’re going to be on the inside, and what we can do better for the next game.”
Buffalo remains at the top of the Atlantic Division with 86 points, two ahead of Tampa Bay. Saturday’s matchup is important as both teams look to solidify their positions in the standings.
Alex Tuch will return to Buffalo’s lineup after missing Thursday’s game due to a lower-body injury. Defenseman Mattias Samuelsson is out following a maintenance day during practice, while forward Tanner Pearson is also sidelined with a lower-body injury. Zach Metsa will replace Samuelsson in the lineup, and Alex Lyon will start as goaltender.
Rasmus Dahlin leads all players in this season’s series against Toronto with seven points in three games. The Sabres have won two out of three matchups against Toronto so far this season.
The Maple Leafs recently ended an eight-game winless streak with a victory over Anaheim but lost captain Auston Matthews for the rest of the season due to an MCL injury sustained during that game. Despite having one of the league’s best penalty kills, Toronto has struggled defensively at even strength.
