The Buffalo Sabres have continued their recent dominance over the Toronto Maple Leafs with a 9-3 victory, improving their record to 5-2 in their last seven matchups. The Sabres have outscored the Leafs with a 30-26 edge in goals during these games. In their latest encounter, the Sabres led 3-2 at the end of the first period and extended their lead to 6-3 after the second, prompting Leafs fans to exit early. Jack Quinn scored his first goal of the season, contributing to the Sabres' season-high total. The game saw Buffalo leading 3-2 at the end of the first period, with a 14-10 shot advantage. Despite the Leafs' efforts, including a significant save by Samsonov, the Sabres continued to dominate, with Skinner scoring from Tuch and reaching an 8-3 lead before eventually closing the game at 9-3. This outcome comes just two nights after the Sabres allowed 9 goals to the Blue Jackets, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the NHL. The Leafs' loss was described by Auston Matthews as 'embarrassing' and 'probably the worst game since I've been here.' This defeat also marks the second time since 1991 that the Leafs have conceded nine goals in a game, the last occurrence being against Nashville in 2014. Moreover, the Sabres became the first team to beat the Leafs twice in regulation this season.
#Sabres are first team to beat #Leafs twice in regulation this season. Toronto now on first two-game losing streak since Oct. 16-19.
Matthews: "Collectively, probably one of the worst games since I have been here." #Leafs
For the first time since 2014, the #Leafs allow nine goals against. More on what was a very messy game from Toronto just across the border in Buffalo. ⤵️ https://t.co/hwurSTJAda https://t.co/hwurSTJAda
Leafs a falling… The Buffalo Sabres defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs, 9-3 #LetsGoBuffalo #LeafsForever https://t.co/IFoC6fuWU2
Skinner scores 2 and Sabres respond to embarrassing loss with 9-3 rout of Maple Leafs (from @AP) https://t.co/V635iTqOSY
Auston Matthews called the 9-3 loss to the #Sabres an embarassment and one of the worst games the #Leafs have played since he joined the team.
From @SabresPR: This is the 14th time in NHL history a team has allowed nine or more goals in a game and then scored nine or more in their next game. Last was Detroit (L to VAN 9-5 on 12/21/83 and beat TOR 9-2 on 12/23/83)
Auston Matthews: I think just collectively, probably one of the worst games since I've been here.
“Embarrassing is the word I’d use,” says Auston Matthews. “Probably the worst game since I’ve been here.”
Observations: Sabres score 9 goals, send Leafs fans to exits early in 9-3 win https://t.co/xhbcp3BISU
#Leafs lose 9-3. Embarrassing doesn't begin to describe it.
Leafs absolutely embarrassing tonight in Buffalo. Nine goals against.
This is only the second time the Leafs have allowed nine goals in a game since 1991. Last one was the ugly 9-2 Nashville home game in 2014 that preceded Salute Gate.
First time since Nov. 18, 2014, in a 9-2 loss to Nashville that the #Leafs have allowed nine goals in one game.
The last time the Maple Leafs gave up 9 goals in a game? November 18, 2014, against the Nashville Predators.
Sabres are the first team to allow 9+ goals & score 9+ goals in back-to-back games since the Red Wings on Dec 21-23, 1983 Allowed 9 goals to the Canucks, then scored 9 goals against....the Maple Leafs (h/t @Sportradar)
#Sabres first nine-goal game vs. #Leafs since 9-3 win at Maple Leaf Gardens on Jan. 14, 1991.
#Sabres first nine-goal game vs. #Leafs since 9-3 win at Maple Leafs Gardens on Jan. 14, 1991.
Just saw it’s 9-3 Sabres… Over the Leafs!! Holy cow.
Make that 9* goals against the Maple Leafs. And now the Toronto fans file to the exit. A sight to behold for the Sabres fans in the building. https://t.co/rfD6LvYI46
The Sabres have scored 8 goals against the Maple Leafs only two nights after they allowed 9 to the Blue Jackets. The NHL can be so weird.
Skinner from Tuch. 8-3 with 7:37 left. I told ya #Sabres were gonna get to 9. And more #Leafs jerseys heading up the aisles.
Jack Quinn first of the year. Nifty pass to the crease by Greenway #Sabres with a season-high total now. 7-3 over the #Leafs with 8:52 left.
7-3 Sabres Jack Quinn scores his first goal of the season in only his second game back. That's gotta feel good after his long recovery from the Achilles injury. Great pass by Peterka.
#Sabres fans yelling "3,4,5,6,....we want 7!" #Leafs trail 6-3 after 2.
Can the #Sabres give up nine goals one game and get nine of their own the next? We're heading that way.
And that's eight combined goals with still 31 minutes left. #Sabres and #Leafs have already reached their average of the last seven meetings.
Another huge save by Samsonov on Benson alone in front. First team to 8 is gonna win this one. #Sabres #Leafs
Last seven meetings with #Leafs, the #Sabres have a 30-26 edge in goals. That's eight combined goals per game. Already have five through one period tonight.
Don Granato has been harping on "pace." At the first intermission, his Sabres are up 3-2 on the Maple Leafs and holding a 14-10 shot advantage.
End-1st: #Sabres lead #Leafs 3-2. Shots are currently listed 14-10 for Buffalo. But things were so frenetic, you know those figures will change.
They’re heeeeeeeere #Leafs #Sabres https://t.co/8iG4p0AOfc
From #Sabres Stats That Continue to Amaze Fans File: They are 5-2 in their last 7 against the #Leafs, with 30 goals in those seven games. Don't let that February disaster here color your thinking. 5-2 in the last 7.