Three Takeaways From The Buffalo Sabres 9-3 Victory Over The Toronto Maple Leafs
Sabres score five unanswered goals and roll over Atlantic rival
Three Takeaways From The Buffalo Sabres 9-3 Victory Over The Toronto Maple LeafsWash. Rinse. Repeat.
The Sabres are uncanny in their ability to put their best foot forth when playing the Maple Leafs, especially in Buffalo. Last season’s loss with former Sabre Ryan O’Reilly scoring a hat trick was the exception to the rule. If head coach Don Granato could have selected any team to play after the 9-4 debacle against Columbus, it would have been Toronto, who the Sabres now have a career mark of 68-34-6-6 on home ice.
Buffalo played with energy and effort, even after falling behind 2-1 in the first period and took advantage of many of the Leafs defensive giveaways.
Plus Five
The turnaround of defenseman Connor Clifton coincided with his shifting over to his natural side as a righty with veteran Erik Johnson taking the left. It allowed the 28-year-old to settle in and that has been reflected in his offensive numbers. Clifton since November 27 has seven assists and is +12, and in the victory over the Leafs has a pair of helpers and was +5 on the night.
Captain Kyle
Kyle Okposo’s abilities as a leader have never been called into question, but after going scoreless in the first 19 games, there were concerns about him being able to contribute offensively, especially with the Sabres goal production way down from last season.
Okposo scored his first goal on November 24th against Pittsburgh, tying the game during a three-goal third-period comeback and has eight goals in the last 15 games, including a pair of goals against Toronto on Thursday.
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