The last time these two teams met, the Toronto Maple Leafs pulled off a 5-3 comeback win over the Sabres, who were already mired in a lengthy losing skid.
With the Sabres getting closer every game to a new NHL record for longest losing streak, the red hot Maple Leafs didn't spot the competition an early lead this time, never falling behind in the game and putting 6 pucks in the Buffalo net.
As Matt Murray unexpectedly got his first NHL start since April of 2023, the team in front of him came out swinging
The Leafs went up 4-1 in the game before the midway point of the second period, and chased Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen from the Sabres net in the process. Luukkonen's night ended with a save percentage of .692 after 4 goals on 13 shots.
That meant former Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer had to take over Buffalo's net. Leafs fans visiting KeyBank Center in Buffalo showed him no mercy, mocking him almost immediately.
While he wasn't as bad as Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen once the game was finished, James Reimer let in a goal from Max Pacioretty on the first four shots he faced. In fairness, it was a perfect pass by William Nylander and a very nice tip from Max Pacioretty that would have been tough for any goaltender.
That was the last goal Reimer let in before the Maple Leafs added an empty netter to seal a 6-3 win.
Matt Murray wasn't great in his NHL return, letting in 3 goals on 27 shots. However, he was solid enough for Toronto to pull off the win and that's all the team is asking for right now.
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