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Sabres Pursue Sweep of Home-and-Home Set vs. Maple Leafs
The Buffalo Sabres are beginning to look like the team many expected them to be this season. After dropping their first three games, they’ve bounced back with four wins in their last five — and now head into Scotiabank Arena on Saturday with a chance to sweep their home-and-home series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Buffalo took control of Friday’s opener with a 5-3 win at home. Mattias Samuelsson scored twice, while Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, and Jiri Kulich each added a goal and an assist. The victory marked another step forward for a team rediscovering its identity after a rough start.
“It’s a two-way street,” Thompson said. “Can’t get too down on ourselves when we’re 0-3, and can’t get too high when we’re winning. Staying even keel and sticking to what works — that’s what keeps us successful.”
Head coach Lindy Ruff praised his blue line for its improvement, particularly Samuelsson, who’s returned from injury looking sharp on both ends.
“He’s been great in all areas — strong on the penalty kill, creating offense, finishing plays,” Ruff said. “He’s playing against top lines and handling that challenge really well.”
The Sabres may start Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in goal, marking his first NHL appearance of the season after recovering from a lower-body injury. He backed up Alex Lyon on Friday and made 21 saves in a conditioning stint with AHL Rochester earlier in the week.
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Game Information
Matchup: Buffalo Sabres vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Venue: Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM ET
Broadcast: ESPN+
Odds: Maple Leafs -172 | Sabres +143 | O/U 6.0
Buffalo Finding Its Stride
The Sabres’ resurgence has been fueled by chemistry between their top forwards. Tuch and Thompson continue to drive the offense, while the defense has improved in puck movement and positioning. Buffalo ranks 9th in goals and 8th in assists, evidence that their scoring depth is clicking again.
Their recent win over Toronto wasn’t just about scoring — it was about discipline. The Sabres blocked 18 shots, won the battle on special teams, and stayed physical without giving up costly penalties. That balanced play has been the formula during their 4-1 run, a stretch that’s put them back into early playoff contention.
With Rasmus Dahlin logging big minutes and rookie Jiri Kulich emerging as a legitimate secondary scorer, Buffalo looks more confident in transition. The Sabres also hold a 4-2 division record, showing they can compete consistently within the Atlantic Division, one of the toughest in hockey.
For bettors, Buffalo’s improvement can be tracked in real time through the NHL Scores and Odds page — where their recent uptick against the puckline has stood out to sharp players.
Toronto Searching for Stability
The Maple Leafs enter Saturday looking to halt a three-game slide (0-2-1) that’s exposed defensive inconsistencies. Despite strong play from Auston Matthews and William Nylander, Toronto has been outscored 14-8 during the skid. Friday’s loss highlighted both their offensive potential and their defensive lapses.
“I think when you compete like we did for most of the game, good things happen,” Matthews said. “We’ve got to clean up the small mistakes. We’re right there — it’s about execution.”
The potential absence of Nylander could complicate things. He exited late Friday with an undisclosed injury, and head coach Craig Berube had no update postgame. If Nylander sits, Berube will likely shuffle lines again, possibly giving Bobby McMann or Matthew Knies a larger role alongside Matthews.
Toronto’s power play remains dangerous, and at home, they’ll rely on the energy of Scotiabank Arena to spark a turnaround. Still, with goaltending depth tested by injuries, the Leafs will need a more complete effort to avoid dropping a fourth straight.
You can compare the Maple Leafs’ current form, line movement, and performance metrics at the NHL Picks section, where their recent Over/Under trends have consistently leaned high.
Injury Reports
Buffalo Sabres
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Jacob Bryson (D) | Questionable | Concussion |
| Justin Danforth (RW) | Out | Lower Body |
| Jordan Greenway (LW) | Out | Mid-Body |
| Michael Kesselring (D) | Out | Undisclosed |
| Tyson Kozak (C) | Questionable | Lower Body |
| Carson Meyer (RW) | Out | Knee |
| Josh Norris (C) | Out | Upper Body |
Toronto Maple Leafs
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Laughton (C) | Out | Lower Body |
| Morgan Rielly (D) | Questionable | Undisclosed |
| Marshall Rifai (D) | Out | Wrist |
| Christopher Tanev (D) | Out | Upper Body |
| Joseph Woll (G) | Out | Personal |
Analysis
Buffalo’s momentum and improved defensive structure make them a live underdog in this spot. The Sabres have found rhythm in all three zones, while Toronto continues to search for defensive consistency. The potential absence of Nylander further tilts this matchup slightly toward Buffalo, especially if Luukkonen delivers a steady start.
Toronto still holds the edge in offensive upside, led by Matthews’ elite finishing ability and a power play that remains top-tier. But if Buffalo can win puck battles and control possession like they did Friday, they can steal another divisional win on the road.
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Prediction
Buffalo’s balanced attack and Toronto’s defensive issues make this rematch tighter than the odds suggest. Expect a competitive, fast-paced game, but the Sabres’ form gives them an edge to pull off another close victory.
Projected Score: Sabres 4, Maple Leafs 3
Best Bets: Buffalo +1.5 (-174) | Over 6.0 (-122)
Track updated lines, totals, and public money splits at the NHL Odds hub, and get expert projections for upcoming matchups at the NHL Picks page.
