Recap: Eichel and Johnson Lead the Sabres Past the Leafs

The Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs played another close game tonight. The two rivals always seem to play a fast-paced and emotional game.

Chad Johnson was a surprise start after Linus Ullmark the expected starter for the Sabres was scratched. The Leafs challenged Johnson in the opening period and he was up to the task making 14 saves to keep his club in the game.

Jack Eichel got the first goal of the game. He caused a turnover in the corner and headed to the net. Zemgus Girgensons made a nice pass to find him in front and Eichel made a nice move around Frederik Andersen for the goal.

After 20 minutes the Sabres held a 1-0 lead but were outshot 14-7.

The Leafs had the better play in the second period. They continued to pepper Johnson and just miss their opportunities.

Finally, Nazem Kadri got the Leafs first goal. After a turnover behind the net Kadri was left all alone in front and he put the puck between the legs of the Sabres goaltender.

Things started to spiral out of control for the Sabres at the end of the period. Just 1:11 after Kadri scored, the Leafs took their first lead of the game. Patrick Marleau outmuscled Justin Falk at the far post for a rebound to make it 2-1.

That's how things would stand after 40 minutes as the Sabres were saved by the bell.

The Sabres fought their way back even a little under eight minutes into the third period. Casey Nelson’s point shot went off the skate of Roman Polak and past Andersen.

Two minutes later Eichel scored his second of the game to give the Sabres the lead on a goal that Andersen wants back. He rushed down the boards and slipped the puck between the legs of the Leafs goaltender.

The Leafs pushed for the equalizer but were unable to beat Johnson. Eichel almost pushed Jake Gardiner and the puck into the empty net for what would have been an interesting goal in the final seconds.

Buffalo rebounded well from their games over the weekend and have won two of three against the Leafs this season.

Final Score: Sabres 3, Leafs 2

Shots on Goal: Sabres 27 | Leafs 41

Sabres Goal Scorers: Eichel (23, 24) and Nelson (3)

Leafs Goal Scorers: Kadri (30) and Marleau (24)

Three Stars of the Game

1. Jack Eichel (2 G, GWG)

2. Chad Johnson (39 saves on 41 shots)

3. Auston Matthews (1 A)

Comment of the Game

You are posting on a website dedicated to the worst team in the NHL on a Monday night for a game that means nothing.

No, you’re not crazy

Go Sabres! (and take the Bills with you)

Posted by taro tsujimoto on Mar 26, 2018 | 8:22 PM up reply rec (6) flag