NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs at Buffalo Sabres - Source: Imagn — Murray's strong return, Sabres' disallowed goal, and more: 3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs won 6-3 over Buffalo Sabres - Source: Imagn

Murray's strong return, Sabres' disallowed goal, and more: 3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs won 6-3 over Buffalo Sabres

Modified Dec 21, 2024 04:20 GMT

The Toronto Maple Leafs handed the Buffalo Sabres their 12th straight defeat with a 6-3 pounding at KeyBank Center on Friday night.

Auston Matthews led the way with a power play goal, with Bobby McMann, Nick Robertson, Max Domi, Max Pacioretty and William Nylander (EN) scoring for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Meanwhile, JJ Peterka, Mattias Samuelson and Owen Power netted for the Buffalo Sabres.

So, here’s a look at the three key reasons why the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Buffalo Sabres.

Three reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Buffalo Sabres

#3 Matt Murray had a strong start in return

Matt Murray returned to the ice for the Toronto Maple Leafs. His last NHL appearance was in Apr. 2023, missing all of last season while recovering from hip surgery.

However, Murray’s return was a successful one, making 24 saves on the night. He seemed confident in goal, making several key saves down the stretch as the Leafs protected a 5-3 lead.

For Murray and the Leafs, Friday night’s game was encouraging, as the Leafs play back-to-back games this weekend and needed a solid start from their backup netminder.

#2 The power play led the way

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ power play went 1-for-3 on the night, with Matthews notching up his 11th of the year. The goal put Toronto up 2-0 at the time, helping build a 5-2 lead by the second intermission.

The Leafs’ offensive outburst helped chase Sabres’ starter Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen after he gave up four goals on 13 shots. He was replaced by backup James Reimer early in the second period. Reimer gave up just one goal on 15 shots the rest of the way.

For the Leafs, the power play goal was an important one, as the offense hasn’t produced quite at the same level it did last season. Nevertheless, it seems Toronto’s offense is getting back on track.

#1 Disallowed third-period goal

The Leafs were the beneficiaries of a huge disallowed goal against the Sabres. The play happened late in the third period with the Leafs up 5-3. Owen Power had scored minutes earlier to give the Sabres life.

However, Sabres forward Sam Lafferty made contact with Murray’s stick, impeding his ability to make the save on Owen Power’s point shot. The Leafs challenged the call, and the goal was overturned.

The call was crucial, as the goal would have made the game close at 5-4. However, the goal didn’t count, and it allowed the Leafs to cruise to a 6-3 win.

The Leafs won’t get much time to relax, though, as they take on the New York Islanders on Saturday night at Scotiabank Arena.