The Buffalo Sabres earned a 3-2 shootout victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs at KeyBank Center on March 15, with Jack Quinn and Alex Tuch scoring in the shootout to seal the win. Goaltender Alex Lyon stopped both Toronto attempts, helping Buffalo maintain its position atop the Atlantic Division.
The result is significant as it adds to the Sabres’ lead in a tight divisional race, especially after other contenders lost points. Tampa Bay and Montreal lost in regulation while Detroit fell in overtime, allowing Buffalo to move four points ahead with 15 games remaining.
Quinn’s performance was notable both during regulation and in the shootout. He scored his career-best 16th goal of the season on a power play, assisted by rookie Noah Ostlund’s spin-around backhand pass. “Just an all-world pass from him, and I kind of had an open net there,” Quinn said. In the shootout, Quinn used his signature move to beat goaltender Joseph Woll before Tuch clinched the win. “Just decide when I get in, see what the goalie’s giving me,” Quinn said about his approach.
Lyon continued his strong form in shootouts, improving his career save percentage to .824 and winning 16 of his last 18 outings. “I think we were a little sour the last 48 hours, and that’s a good sign,” Lyon said regarding the team’s response after their previous loss.
Coach Lindy Ruff praised both individual efforts and team maturity following recent setbacks. “It tells you a lot about our maturity, knowing that we gave [Washington] a point, and we took a point away from ourselves with how we played in that last situation,” Ruff said. He also highlighted Zach Metsa’s performance on defense: “He deserves to be in the lineup for how well he’s played…he did a heck of a job for us.” Metsa filled in for Mattias Samuelsson and skated a career-high 15:32 alongside Rasmus Dahlin.
Ostlund impressed throughout with skilled plays leading up to his assist on Quinn’s goal. Ruff commented on Ostlund’s poise: “He makes a lot of good plays under duress for a first-year guy…Nine times out of 10, he’s making the right play.” The line featuring Ostlund, Josh Norris, and Josh Doan contributed significantly during their shifts.
Looking ahead, Buffalo will begin a four-game road trip starting Tuesday against the Vegas Golden Knights.
