Auston Matthews put an end to one of the dullest Maple Leafs games of the season, capping a sleepy 2-1 OT win over the Buffalo Sabres
Jake McCabe was absent from the game due to illness, and it appeared that both teams were affected by a lackluster energy in this low-action matchup. Extended periods of the game saw minimal shots on goal, particularly in the uneventful first and third periods, with the second period providing relatively more excitement. However, there were noteworthy elements to take away, including a strong performance by Ilya Samsonov in the Maple Leafs’ goal.
Key Points from the Game:
1. The initial phase of the game was notably dull, featuring a prolonged period with limited offensive action that may have left viewers feeling disengaged. The Sabres struggled to register their first shot on goal until nearly 15 minutes into the game, as the Leafs adopted a structured defensive approach, perhaps recalling their previous 9-3 loss to the Sabres before Christmas. Toronto showcased solid defensive play, denying the Sabres opportunities and effectively limiting their offensive momentum.
On the offensive front, the Leafs also had few standout moments. Matthew Knies attempted a wrap-around shot, but goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made a solid save. Calle Järnkrok, Bobby McMann, and Noah Gregor also had rushes but were unable to find success against Luukkonen. The first period concluded unremarkably, lacking memorable highlights until the final five minutes.
2. The momentum picked up slightly in the last five minutes of the period after the Sabres recorded their first shot on goal. Buffalo launched ten shots at Ilya Samsonov during this late surge, aided by a power play opportunity. The Sabres engaged in a lengthy cycle shift against the Leafs’ third line led by John Tavares, with TJ Brodie and Timothy Liljegren defending for Toronto. The Sabres dominated puck possession, persistently retrieving loose pucks, and generating shots. Liljegren was penalized for holding, and the Leafs’ lackluster effort in touching up with their arm in the air on the delayed penalty highlighted their fatigue.
With Liljegren in the penalty box, the first power play of the game commenced in the closing minutes of the first period. Buffalo struggled to maintain consistent zone control, with William Nylander standing out for several solid defensive plays. However, the Sabres managed to create a couple of dangerous scoring opportunities. There was a scramble near the post, which Samsonov awkwardly covered as he slid towards the goal line. A review was inconclusive regarding whether the puck crossed the line, resulting in a 0-0 score after the first period.
3. The Maple Leafs wasted no time getting on the scoreboard early in the second period. Ilya Lyubushkin kept the puck in the offensive zone and dumped it deep before Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi retrieved it. Bertuzzi then set up William Nylander in the slot, who unleashed a powerful shot to find the back of the net. There has been ongoing discussion about this line and its ability to generate offense while occasionally conceding goals. In this game, they showcased improved performance, with Nylander displaying energy and the line holding their own in terms of underlying statistics. Their combination of playmaking, shooting, and puck-recovery skills makes them a formidable threat in the offensive zone, and overall, they contribute positively to the team, despite some defensive limitations.
4. With the goal providing a boost, the Leafs started finding their rhythm. The Nylander line continued to impress with another strong shift, and Ilya Lyubushkin once again demonstrated his awareness by delivering a smart pass to Bobby McMann, setting him up for a scoring opportunity in the slot. However, Luukkonen made a solid shoulder save to deny the chance. This moment allows us to appreciate Lyubushkin’s contributions as he had a solid game overall. The defensive pair of Morgan Rielly and Lyubushkin decisively won the battle in expected goals (as well as shot share, scoring chances, etc.) during their ice time. In general, Lyubushkin deserves credit for his strong play since returning to Toronto.
5. Noah Gregor made his way into the lineup, replacing Pontus Holmberg, who was benched due to his lack of urgency in battles leading up to Boston’s first goal. The combination of David Kämpf, Ryan Reaves, and Holmberg had been an encouraging subplot in recent games, but with Holmberg out, the line took on a different look.
The Gregor/Kämpf/Reaves line had an okay performance, but Gregor, in his first game after a series of healthy scratches, could have shown more. Aside from the goal against, which was not the forwards’ fault, Gregor missed an opportunity to drive to the net in the first period and later had a chance to potentially decide the game but shot it into the goalie’s crest. It’s likely that Sheldon Keefe will reinstate Holmberg with his fresh legs against Boston, sending a message to Gregor. To be fair, Gregor’s speed is noticeable at times, but Holmberg contributed by driving possession, carrying the puck, and initiating cycles. Gregor tends to have a more one-and-done approach.
6. The Sabres managed to score a goal, leveling the game and halting Toronto’s momentum. Victor Olofsson, who returned to the lineup after a long period as a scratch, made an impact by skating down the left wing and firing a shot over Samsonov’s glove.
Olofsson’s standout skill is his shooting ability, and he perfectly placed the shot. Samsonov could have received more support from Morgan Rielly, who played with a loose gap and allowed Olofsson more space than desired in defending a one-on-one rush.
7. The latter part of the second period saw a significant amount of action on special teams as the Leafs went on their first and only power play. They earned the man advantage after Calle Järnkrok set up John Tavares for a quality scoring opportunity. This line, in general, had an effective performance and was assigned challenging matchups since Järnkrok’s return from injury. They kept the score even and maintained a 2-2 shot count in their 5-6 minutes against the Thompson line. This matchup win often sets up the top lines to thrive.
Although the power play created a few chances, Buffalo’s penalty kill effectively disrupted Toronto’s drop-pass entry. The Sabres were aggressive in targeting the drop-pass, seizing loose pucks, and generating rush opportunities for themselves. They came close to creating breakaways on a couple of occasions. In a game where scoring opportunities were scarce, the Leafs’ power play should have been a differentiating factor, but it has only converted three of its last 19 opportunities (16.7%).
8. In Toronto, it’s crucial not to dismiss a decline in power-play performance, especially at this stage of the season. The Leafs need to address this issue with a sense of urgency in the coming weeks. It’s one thing to struggle offensively, but it’s another to actively hinder momentum within the game. The special teams play favored Boston in the first period, shifting the tide in their favor after a strong start by the Leafs against the Bruins.
The second period ended with a 1-1 scoreline, with the latter half of the period mostly being played in Toronto’s defensive zone. The beginning of the third period was relatively uneventful. However, the Leafs managed to turn the game in their favor, controlling territorial advantage and, at one point, outshooting their opponents 9-1 in the third period. Nonetheless, the quality of scoring chances was not of the highest caliber.
Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews, who were relatively quiet for most of the game, made their presence felt in the third period. However, Matthews was unable to get the puck past Henri Jokiharju. During a strong shift by his line, John Tavares had a couple of opportunities during a scramble in front of the net, but he couldn’t beat the Buffalo goaltender. As time ticked down, the game remained tied at 1-1.
9. The standout performer in the late stages of the third period was Ilya Samsonov. Although he wasn’t heavily tested in the first 55 minutes of the game, that can be challenging in itself, especially when a goalie doesn’t face a single shot for the first 15 minutes of the game.
Samsonov maintained his focus and delivered outstanding play when the game was on the line, helping the Leafs secure a point and push the game into overtime. He made a crucial kick save on a deflected shot with less than a minute left in regulation, preserving the tie. He also stood tall during an Alex Tuch rush down the wing. In overtime, Samsonov made a notable glove save on Tage Thompson in the slot, among several other saves that kept the game alive long enough for the Leafs to eventually win. Samsonov finished with 24 saves on 25 shots, boasting a .960 save percentage. This was his first game allowing fewer than three goals since February 19. It is expected that he will be back in the net for Saturday’s game against Montreal.
10. The Leafs had a couple of opportunities to win the game in overtime before they finally did. William Nylander attempted to set up Jarnkrok, but the Swedish duo couldn’t connect. Morgan Rielly made a strong drive towards the net and maneuvered the puck around the goaltender, but his shot hit the side of the cage. Then, Matthews and Marner, who were relatively quiet during regulation play, came alive on a shift in overtime. Marner displayed exceptional puck-handling skills, circling around the ice and maintaining possession as he moved around the Buffalo net. Eventually, Marner sent a pass from behind the net to Matthews, who scored the game-winning goal.
Auston Matthews scored his 54th goal of the season, maintaining his pace towards potentially reaching 70 goals as the season enters its final quarter. Achieving this feat won’t be easy, as he would need to score 16 goals in his final 20 games. Currently, he has scored 54 goals in 61 games, which would result in 18 goals in the final 20 games if he maintains his current pace. Regardless, it’s nearly impossible to imagine Matthews not reaching 60 goals for the second time in three seasons or leading the NHL in goals for the third time in four seasons. It’s truly remarkable.
