Another matchup between the Buffalo Sabres and the Toronto Maple Leafs means one thing – another very important game.
It remains no secret that when the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs faceoff against each other, it is appointment television.
This matchup is the fourth and final time these two teams will face off this season, barring a wild development that would see both teams make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
In three previous matchups this season, Buffalo is 1-1-1 against their division-rivals.
The last matchup between these two teams featured a red-hot Maple Leafs, which had been fighting for playoff positioning.
Not much has changed for Toronto, who still find themselves very much fighting for their playoff lives.
Buffalo, on the other hand, finds themselves eight points behind Toronto and in a very interesting position.
While the Sabres are looking to remain relevant in the playoff race, they also have the opportunity to play spoilers.
In the Atlantic Division, things are currently a little crowded.
The Maple Leafs currently sit in third in the Atlantic with 68 points. Just two points behind, the Florida Panthers sit in fourth.
Montreal, losers of three straight, are seven points behind Toronto.
Wrapped up by the aforementioned Sabres and their eight point deficit.
The tables have turned in favor of the Sabres a little more as of late. Buffalo has won two games in a row, while the aforementioned teams the Sabres are chasing down are either on losing streaks or have lost their most recent games, respectively.
Focusing back on this game and rivalry – no love will be lost on Sunday when these two teams take the ice.
Forward Jack Eichel has had success against the Toronto Maple Leafs in his career, to the tune of 22 points (13 goals, nine assists) in 16 games.
Forward Sam Reinhart also enjoys taking the ice against the Maple Leafs. In 21 career games, Reinhart has amassed 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) against Toronto.
Even the younger Sabres talent has had success against the Maple Leafs.
In five career games against the Maple Leafs, defenseman Rasmus Dahlin has scored five points (one goal, four assists).
Same goes for forward Victor Olofsson. Three career games for Olofsson against Toronto and three points collected (one goal, two assists).
While Buffalo has not made the playoffs for quite some time, a game like this will provide the opportunity for players and fans to have a playoff atmosphere at the KeyBank Center.
Maple Leafs fans always represent their team well whenever Toronto plays in Buffalo and Sunday is not expected to be any different.
Tickets are still available if you want to find yourself taking in a very competitive and spirited matchup against two bitter division rivals.
Looking to get to this matchup? StubHub has your tickets.
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