Matthias Samuelson Nets 2 Sabers beat Maple Leafs 5-3 – Hockey Writer – NHL News
The Sabers snapped a five-game losing streak to the Maple Leafs, who now have a .500 record, winning four of their past five games. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs continue to struggle after losing their last three games.
game review
The game started slowly, with both teams having a neutral zone feel in the opening minutes. Buffalo’s great work on the glass already showed after Alex Tuch maneuvered on the wall and passed the puck to Ryan McLeod, who passed it to Samuelsson in the middle position, flicking the puck for his first goal of the night and putting the Sabers on the scoreboard.
Twenty-three seconds passed before the Maple Leafs got the ball to striding right winger William Nylander, who found himself with a breakaway shot past goaltender Alex Lyon’s defender to tie the score at 1-1.
Another strength of Buffalo’s game tonight is creating chances in the defensive zone. Zach Metsa passed the puck to alternate captain Tage Thompson, who passed it to Zach Benson, who passed the cross-ice pass to Jiri Kulich, who fired in a quick shot for a 2-1 lead.
The Maple Leafs earned their first power play opportunity after referees ruled Rasmus Dahlin tripped Nylander. The Sabers, who excelled in the shootout, managed to beat the Raptors on their first man-advantage opportunity and even nearly scored when Peyton Krebs’ shot hit Anthony Stolarz’s facemask.
The Maple Leafs have struggled on the power play this season, but rallied to tie the game at 2-2 after John Tavares passed the puck to Auston Matthews. Then, the Sabers twice gained the man advantage, putting the Maple Leafs at a 3-on-5 disadvantage. The shorthanded Maple Leafs successfully stifled the Sabers’ chances, blocking shot after shot and using stick checks to break up possessions.
The Maple Leafs continued their dominance of blocking Sabres’ shot, opening up opportunities like Matthew Ninis, who skated on a breakaway but was blocked by Lyon. They were also better on the boards throughout the game, allowing 30 hits to Buffalo’s eight, but the Sabers were able to withstand their best hits and counter with their own. Thompson passed the puck to Byram, who passed it back to the moving Thompson for the final goal to regain the advantage. Subsequently, Darling passed a backhand pass to Samuelson, who shot in the middle of the faceoff circle, further turning the situation for the Sabers.
The Maple Leafs responded after Easton Cowan wrested possession from the blocker, who sneaked a shot on goal that was blocked. Dakota Joshua grabbed the rebound and tipped in from close range to give his team the lead. The Sabers’ mental fortitude was tested as they held on to a one-goal lead with plenty of time to allow the Maple Leafs to comeback. Buffalo is looking for their dagger after firing on all cylinders. Then, in a crucial twist, the referee awarded a penalty kick to the Sabres, giving the Maple Leafs another chance with the man advantage.
Lyon made the most important save of the night, denying Matias Marcelli’s equalizer attempt, with an assist from Owen Ball setting up a well-rested Tah, who shrewdly scored while shorthanded to give the Sabres a 5-3 win.
What’s next?
The Sabers and Maple Leafs are back in action tomorrow, this time in Toronto. There, the two teams will wrap up their short two-game series, with the Sabers returning home to face the Columbus Blue Jackets before heading to the East for a rematch with the Boston Bruins. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs will remain on their home turf and fly south to take on the Blue Jackets.
