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Game #81 Preview & Open Thread: Maple Leafs vs. Sabres

Dec 20, 2024; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (23) and Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) go after a loose puck during the third period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Toronto Maple Leafs (50-26-4) vs. Buffalo Sabres (35-38-7)

Puck Drop: 7:00 PM EST | KeyBank Center | Buffalo, NY

TV: MSG-B

Radio: WGR 550

Know Your Opponent

Toronto Maple Leafs

Record: 50-26-4 | 104 PTS

Last Game: 4-1 Win vs. Carolina Hurricanes

Division Ranking: 1st in Atlantic Division

PP: 25.2% (7th); Sabres: 19% (23rd)

PK: 77.9% (T18th); Sabres: 76.4% (25th)

What to Watch

1. Fifty is Nifty

Sunday’s game against the ‘Canes marked Toronto’s third 50-win season in franchise history. Auston Matthews also scored his 399th goal and 31st of the season, so it will be highly likely that we see some offensive action from him tonight. Defenseman Morgan Rielly was also a force to be reckoned with against Carolina with three assists – his first multi-point game since late February – and is now tied for second most all-time among Toronto defensemen. Our neighbors to the north have won three in a row and can clinch their first Atlantic Division title with at least one point from tonight’s game or a loss from Tampa Bay tomorrow. They are also 8-1-1 in their last 10 matchups. Can Buffalo put a damper on their chances with a regulation win tonight?

2. Dahlin, The Future

In news surprising no one, Rasmus Dahlin has had another solid season. In his last 45 games alone, he has tallied 11 goals, 38 assists, and 49 points, respectively, earning first place among all defensemen in the league during that span. Currently a +12, he has 68 points (fourth in the league among defensemen) on the entire 2024-2025 season, shows no signs of slowing down, and only just turned 25 years old. It would make sense for the Sabres to continue to build the much needed success around this Swedish star as he continues to prove his unwavering talent and remain one of the most fun to watch on the team since being drafted in 2018.

When talking about the future of the Sabres, it is equally as important to mention Alex Tuch, who is also have a career season. He has proven how skilled he is as a two-way player and has a few fun milestones that he may be able to attain during these last two games. The forward is two blocked shots away from tying the record by any NHL forward, currently held by Mathieu Dandenault. Tuch is also two goals away from surpassing his career-high (36), earned during the 2022-2023 season. While fans cannot really celebrate any team accomplishments yet again this year, they can at least celebrate the few bright lights, like Dahlin and Tuch, who have become exactly the type of long-term players one would want to watch on their team for years to come.

3. End on a High Note

As the season draws to a close, the Sabres find themselves in a three-game losing streak. These next two games are the final games of the season – both at home – and an opportunity to set the tone for 2025-2026. Conversely, the Maple Leafs have maintained a healthy lead in the Atlantic Division, clinched home ice for the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and will be another tough opponent for the Sabres tonight. Their most recent matchup, back in December, was also at KeyBank Center and the Sabres fell to the Leafs, 6-3. Buffalo needs to play for the fans tonight and Thursday against the Flyers…no matter what.

Projected Lineups

Buffalo Sabres

Forwards*

Zach Benson – Jiri Kulich – Tage Thompson

JJ Peterka – Ryan McLeod – Jack Quinn

Jason Zucker – Peyton Krebs – Alex Tuch

Beck Malenstyn – Noah Ostlund – Sam Lafferty

*There is still a chance that Josh Norris and/or Jordan Greenway find their way back into the lineup before the season ends. Both have been injured since mid-March.

Defense

Mattias Samuelsson – Rasmus Dahlin

Bowen Byram – Connor Clifton

Jacob Bryson* – Jacob Bernard-Docker

*Owen Power has been out of the lineup following a lower-body injury sustained in the shootout loss against the Panthers on Saturday.

Goaltenders: Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen, James Reimer (expected)

Toronto Maple Leafs

Forwards

Matthew Knies – Auston Matthews – Mitch Marner

Pontus Holmberg – John Tavares – William Nylander

Bobby McMann – Max Domi – Nicholas Robertson

Steven Lorentz – Scott Laughton – Calle Jarnkrok

Defense

Morgan Rielly – Philippe Myers

Simon Benoit – Chris Tanev

Dakota Mermis – Brandon Carlo

Goaltenders: Anthony Stolarz (expected), Joseph Woll

Talking Points