Dec 21, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) controls the puck as Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matthew Knies (23) defends during the third period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Maple Leafs (20-10-2) at Buffalo Sabres (11-17-4)
Puck Drop: 7:00 PM | KeyBank Center | Buffalo, NY
TV: ESPN+/Hulu
Radio: WGR 550
Know Your Opponent
Toronto Maple Leafs
Record: 20-10-2 | 44 PTS
Division Ranking: 1st in Atlantic Division
Last Game: 5-3 Win vs Dallas Stars
PP: 20th (19.6%)
PK: 7th (82.7%)
What to Watch
1. Dirty Dozen
Buffalo has yet another chance to stop their winless streak. The streak currently sits at 11 games. The last time the team was in this situation was during their historic 18 game winless streak in 2021. In that season, head coach Ralph Kruger was fired after 12 straight losses. While it would be surprising for Lindy Ruff to receive a pink slip after only 33 games, they should avoid as many parallels to the 2021 team as possible.
2. Dahlin’s Return
On the bright side, Buffalo’s captain will be back in action. Dahlin has been out the last seven games with back spasms. It would be a massive understatement to say the team has missed him the last two weeks. Despite the time missed, Dahlin still ranks 6th on the team with 19 points and only sits one behind Owen Power, who has not missed a game, for the lead among defensemen. He is slated to return to the number one powerplay unit and Ruff will lean on him to play as many minutes as his body can handle. This team needs a positive change, and Dahlin is the best internal addition they can hope for.
3. Canadian Invasion
Maple Leaf fans are notorious for filling up KeyBank Center when Toronto visits Buffalo. This is even more pronounced when the Sabres are struggling. Amid this winless streak, there’s a high likelihood of a heavy Leaf fan turnout in tonight’s game. The Sabres will need to expect it to feel like a road game despite it being in their building. However, what better way to end a horrific stretch of hockey than sending a bunch of Leaf fans up the QEW with a loss? If that doesn’t motivate this team, nothing will.
Projected Lineups
Buffalo Sabres
Forwards
Zucker – Thompson – Tuch
Peterka – Cozens – Quinn
Krebs – Kulich – Benson
Malenstyn – Lafferty – Aube-Kubel
Defense
Dahlin – Byram
Samuelsson – Power
Gilbert – Clifton
Starter: Luukkonen
*McLeod is a game time decision and may alter projected lines.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Forwards
Nylander – Matthews – Marner
Knies – Tavares – Pacioretty
McMann – Domi – Robertson
Lorentz – Kampf – Lorentz
Defense
Rielly – Timmins
Ekman-Larsson – Tanev
Benoit – McCabe
Starter: Murray
