Jan 27, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) scores with this shot on an empty net against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Buffalo beat Toronto 7-4 as playoff push heats up
Shots: BUF 31 | TOR 23
Buffalo Sabres Goals:
Dahlin 9 (McLeod, Samuelsson)
Doan 16 (Dahlin) (PP)
Thompson 28 (Unassisted)
Dahlin 10 (Samuelsson, Krebs)
Tuch 19 (Thompson, Samuelsson)
Quinn 12 (Dahlin)
Dahlin 11 (Unassisted) (EN)
Toronto Maple Leafs Goals:
Knies 13 (Tavares, Maccelli)
Matthews 26 (Domi, Ekman-Larsson)
McMann 17 (Matthews, Domi)
Domi 8 (Matthews, McMann)
Final Thoughts
This was a great win for Buffalo. Not only do they keep pace with Boston and Montreal, but they delivered a crushing blow to the Leafs’ playoff hopes. While Buffalo/Montreal/Boston jockey for position with 65 points each, Toronto now falls to 8 points out with time running out to make up ground.
The key for teams being chased in the playoff race is to create as much separation as possible with teams that could replace them. Now Toronto is faced with the prospect of being sellers at the trade deadline if they don’t turn things around immediately.
Rasmus Dahlin led the way in this one. He was dynamic in the offensive zone, and the Leafs had no answer. He recorded his first career hat trick and added two primary assists. The only one who could keep pace was Matthews. He had a dominant game with a goal and two assists. Other than the Matthews line, Buffalo mostly controlled the game.
Ellis played well in relief after UPL went down with an upper lower body injury. This win puts Buffalo 5 points behind Tampa Bay for 1st in the East and 6 points ahead of Florida who is the first team out of the playoff picture.
The Sabres return home to face the Kings on Thursday looking to extend their current 4-game win streak.