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Rinse and Repeat

Posted on by Steven Staversky
Dec 15, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) celebrates after scoring a goal a against the Buffalo Sabres during the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Score: Sabres 3 | Leafs 5

Shots: BUF 27 | TOR 41

Buffalo Sabres Goals:

  1. Quinn (Peterka, Byram)
  2. Tuch (Benson, Thompson)
  3. Quinn (Peterka, Samuelsson)

Toronto Maple Leafs Goals:

  1. Domi (Robertson, McMann)
  2. Robertson (McMann, Domi)
  3. Tavares (Matthews, Nylander)
  4. Tavares (Tanev, Ekman-Larsson)
  5. Tavares (Knies, Marner) (EN)

Minus 1: Double Digit Pain

While most of Buffalo was enjoying the Bill-Lions shootout, the Sabres had a rivalry game against Toronto. It didn’t end well. Unsurprisingly, the Sabres found a new and exciting way to turn a potential victory into a brutal defeat. They have now lost 10 games in a row. Their losing streak is longer than most people’s New Year’s resolutions will last in 2025. They have gone wineless since they finished their California road trip on November 23rd. They are now only 4 points away from dead last in the NHL.  

Plus 1: Quinn Scores on a Goalie

There were high hopes for Jack Quinn going into this season. Those hopes have turned into bitter disappointment. However, after sitting for nearly two weeks, Quinn came out firing. He ended the game with 5 shots on net and two goals. His powerplay marker in the first was only his second of the season, but it was the first on a goaltender. His only goal in his first 24 games of the season was an empty netter. It has been a nightmare contract season for the young forward. Hopefully, this is the start of a rebound for him.

Minus 2: That Escalated Quickly

Buffalo was poised to end the losing streak after holding a two-goal lead halfway through the game. It only took 2 minutes and 31 seconds for Toronto to change that. Robertson initiated the collapse with a back door goal off the rush. Tavares netted a powerplay goal off a deflection and added an even strength goal with a shot from the high slot. A two-goal lead for Buffalo became a 4-3 lead for Toronto quicker than most commercial breaks. This team has turned losing into an art form during their ongoing streak.

Final Thoughts

This team is entering “time to clean house” territory. The last time they were this low was during the 18-game losing streak that cost Ralph Kruger his job in 2023 and prompted a complete team reset in the offseason. There’s not much more to be said. Sabres fans are suffering through another embarrassing season. At least the Bills are good.

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