The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to face off against the Buffalo Sabres in their ninth game of the season. This matchup is crucial as the Maple Leafs aim to break a three-game losing streak. The game is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on Sportsnet.
Game Preview: Maple Leafs vs. Sabres
The Maple Leafs are looking for redemption against their regional rivals, the Buffalo Sabres. After a tough start to the season, they hope to leverage home-ice advantage in this second game of a home-and-home series.
Coaching Insights
Craig Berube, the Maple Leafs’ coach, discussed the team’s defensive issues. He emphasized the need for better communication among defensemen and forwards to prevent easy goals. His focus is on improving defensive awareness and reducing odd-man rushes.
On the performance of the Knies-Tavares-Maccelli line, Berube noted the potential for improvement, recognizing some positive plays. However, he believes confidence will be key for players like Maccelli to enhance their contributions.
Sabres’ Performance
Lindy Ruff, head coach of the Sabres, praised his team’s pace in their recent 5-3 win against the Maple Leafs. He stressed the importance of quick puck movement and player readiness to capitalize on opportunities.
Ruff acknowledged the need to cut down on breakaway chances but expressed satisfaction with his team’s offensive performance, noting the involvement of defensemen in scoring opportunities.
Projected Lineups
Toronto Maple Leafs
- Forwards:
- #74 Bobby McMann
- #34 Auston Matthews
- #19 Calle Jarnkrok
- #23 Matthew Knies
- #91 John Tavares
- #63 Matias Maccelli
- #81 Dakota Joshua
- #55 Nicolas Roy
- #53 Easton Cowan
- #18 Steven Lorentz
- #11 Max Domi
- #89 Nick Robertson
- Defensemen:
- #44 Morgan Rielly
- #95 Oliver Ekman-Larsson
- #22 Jake McCabe
- #25 Brandon Carlo
- #2 Simon Benoit
- #51 Philippe Myers
- Goaltenders:
- Starter: #30 Cayden Primeau
- Backup: #35 Dennis Hildeby
- Injuries:
- William Nylander (day-to-day)
- Chris Tanev (IR, UBI)
- Scott Laughton (IR, LBI)
Buffalo Sabres
- Forwards:
- #6 Zach Benson
- #20 Jiri Kulich
- #72 Tage Thompson
- #91 Josh Doan
- #71 Ryan McLeod
- #89 Alex Tuch
- #17 Jason Zucker
- #36 Noah Ostlund
- #22 Jack Quinn
- #44 Josh Dunne
- #19 Peyton Krebs
- #29 Beck Malenstyn
- Defensemen:
- #23 Mattias Samuelsson
- #26 Rasmus Dahlin
- #4 Bowen Byram
- #73 Zach Metsa
- #25 Owen Power
- #21 Conor Timmins
- Goaltenders:
- Starter: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
- Backup: #34 Alex Lyon
- Injured/Out:
- Josh Norris
- Jusin Danforth
- Jason Zucker
- Jordan Greenway
- Michael Kesselring
- Jacob Bryson
As the Maple Leafs host the Sabres, expectations are high for an exciting and competitive game. Fans can tune in to Sportsnet at 5:00 p.m. EST to catch all the action.
