“I thought the team competed hard. Buffalo is playing extremely well. They’re good at home. But I thought we hung in there and got a point,” said Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube following a tightly contested game on March 14, 2026, in Buffalo, N.Y.
The Buffalo Sabres emerged victorious, defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 in a shootout. Jack Quinn was instrumental in the win, scoring the tying goal during regulation and also netting a goal in the shootout.
Owen Power opened the scoring for the Sabres, setting the tone early in the game. The Maple Leafs, playing their first game since star player Auston Matthews suffered a season-ending knee injury, responded with a goal from Max Domi, who celebrated his 800th NHL game.
In a game marked by strong performances from both goaltenders, Alex Lyon made 16 saves for the Sabres, while Joseph Woll recorded 30 saves for the Maple Leafs. Berube praised Lyon’s performance, stating, “He was very good tonight. He made a lot of saves and gave us a chance out there. He was really good.”
The Sabres’ victory allowed them to extend their lead in the Atlantic Division to four points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning, improving their record to 41 wins, 20 losses, and 6 ties this season.
Despite the loss, the Maple Leafs managed to secure a point, bringing their record to 28 wins, 27 losses, and 12 ties. Berube noted the importance of physical play, saying, “I’ve been preaching it all year, to be honest with you. I want our team to be physical.”
The game was significant for the Sabres, who had previously experienced an eight-game winning streak before a loss to Washington. The resilience displayed against the Maple Leafs showcased their ability to bounce back.
Looking ahead, the Maple Leafs are set to face the Minnesota Wild on Sunday night, as they continue to navigate the challenges posed by Matthews’ absence.
Details remain unconfirmed.
