Due to the proximity between the two cities and cheaper ticket prices, Maple Leafs fans generally travel fairly well in large numbers.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to play the Buffalo Sabres for the second time in five days, this time in Buffalo – where Leafs Nation generally travels well due to the proximity between cities and cheaper ticket prices.
With the matchup shifting to KeyBank Center, where an unusual dynamic often comes into play, the phenomenon can create a Maple Leafs-type atmosphere, with chants oftentimes rivaling the cheers for the hometown team.
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff spoke with the media ahead of their second matchup of the season and first in Buffalo, addressing the situation and emphasizing the importance of silencing the Toronto faithful – even as the home team.
"You got to embrace the challenge. It's not what you want to see in your building… if we play well, we can take the fans out of the game," Ruff said pre-game, via Sara Holland on X.
That essentially sums up the current state of the Sabres.
Coming into Friday’s contest, Buffalo is on an 11-game losing streak, including a recent 5-3 loss on Sunday to the Leafs which saw the club surrender a 3-1 lead. Given the recent skid, it can be expected the Leafs fans’ presence will be even more prominent.
The organization tried to limit ticket sales outside of the Buffalo area last season to avoid the overtaking of their arena, but that hasn’t stopped Maple Leafs fans from finding their way around the obstacle.
The last time the two met in Buffalo, Auston Matthews reached the 60-goal plateau, adding to the sentiment.
Coaching in his 16th season with the Sabres and being a former player for the organization for 10 seasons, Ruff has certainly become accustomed to the overhaul from Toronto fans.
“We’ve got a challenge ahead of us. It’s all about the two points, it’s not about the fans,” Ruff added.
As awkward as it may sound, there is still some truth to what Ruff is saying. According to Statmuse, The Sabres have a record of 8-7-1 against the Maple Leafs at home since the 2015-16 season – with the club desperate for a win on Friday night.