BUFFALO – In a remarkable show of resilience and skill, the Buffalo Sabres, led by Jeff Skinner’s stellar performance, dismantled the Toronto Maple Leafs with a 9-3 triumph at the KeyBank Center on Thursday. Skinner, returning from an upper-body injury, contributed two goals and an assist, powering the Sabres to a much-needed win.
The Sabres (14-17-3) bounced back impressively after their previous loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, where they conceded nine goals. This turnaround marks a historical moment in the NHL – the first instance in 40 years where a team has scored nine goals following a game where they allowed the same number. The last occurrence was with the Detroit Red Wings in December 1983.
Alex Tuch was another key player for Buffalo, setting up four goals, while Kyle Okposo’s double strike and Tage Thompson’s goal and two assists added to the team’s commanding performance. Goalie Devon Levi contributed with 24 saves, ensuring a steady defense against the Maple Leafs’ attempts.
Reflecting on the victory, Skinner praised his teammates for their exceptional play. He highlighted the synergy within the team, noting the collective effort that led to this significant win.
The Maple Leafs (16-8-6), facing back-to-back regulation losses for only the second time this season, were left searching for answers. Star player Auston Matthews, despite extending his personal goal streak to six games, expressed disappointment in the team’s overall performance, labeling it an “embarrassment.”
Toronto’s defensive woes were evident as goalie Ilya Samsonov allowed five goals from 19 shots before being replaced by Martin Jones in the second period. Samsonov acknowledged his struggles, emphasizing the need to mentally regroup after recent challenging games.
The match saw an array of impressive goals from both sides in the first period. Jordan Greenway gave Buffalo an early lead, which was soon equalized by Matthews. Max Domi then put Toronto ahead, only for Owen Power to level the score for Buffalo. Skinner’s goal late in the first period gave the Sabres a lead they would not relinquish.
Rasmus Dahlin’s goal in the second period extended Buffalo’s lead, despite Calle Jarnkrok’s effort for Toronto. The Sabres then took control, with goals from Thompson, Okposo, Jack Quinn, and another from Skinner, sealing an emphatic win.
Post-game, Buffalo captain Okposo emphasized the team’s newfound belief and resilience. This mentality was evident as the Sabres scored a power-play goal, a short-handed goal, and an even-strength goal in the same period – a feat not achieved since January 2020.
In addition to the standout performances from Skinner and Tuch, William Nylander of the Maple Leafs continued his impressive form, extending his point streak to 10 games. Dahlin’s goal was a milestone, tying him with Alexei Zhitnik for fourth place among defensemen in Sabres history. Young Zach Benson also made his mark, joining the ranks of Buffalo’s notable 18-year-olds with multiple-point games.
As the Sabres celebrate this historic victory, coach Sheldon Keefe of the Maple Leafs acknowledged the need to learn from this defeat without dwelling on it too much. With this game, the Sabres have shown their potential for high-scoring performances, setting an exciting precedent for future matchups.
