Buffalo Sabres favourites against Toronto Maple Leafs – NHL Preview
After being so impressive during the last few weeks, Buffalo Sabres’ defeat against Pittsburgh Penguins has made the race to the playoffs for the former even tougher now as the defeat provided a cushion to other teams seeking a playoff berth.
However, the matters are still not out of hands and Sabres are very much alive in the playoff contention. A game against the regressing Toronto Maple Leafs might just be what Sabres need at the moment to get back to winning ways.
Leafs have been eliminated from the playoff contention, and considering their recent form, they do not pose any threat to Sabres.
The matchup will take place on Saturday, March 31, 2012, at Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Sabres
Sabres are tied with Washington Capitals at eighth spot in the Eastern Conference with 86 points after 78 games.
Had Sabres won their last game, before which they had won five games in a row, they would have been ranked above Capitals.
Sabres got the defeat against the Penguins who went neck and neck with the former in the first period in which both teams scored apiece.
However, Penguins got two goals in the second period while Sabres could get only one. Penguins added another goal in the final and won the game, 5-3.
Sabres’ defenseman, Jordan Leopold, said after the game:
"We won't beat this thing to death. There's a simple formula, we just move forward. We know we can play better.”
Coach, Lindy Ruff, added:
"You got to put it behind you."
Sabres have four more games left in the regular season.
Leafs
They have been eliminated from the playoff contention and are ranked at 14th spot in the Eastern Conference with 75 points after 78 games.
Leafs have won five out of their last six games and are presently on a three-game losing streak with the defeats coming against New York Rangers (4-3 after shootout), Carolina Hurricanes (3-0) and Philadelphia Flyers (7-1).
Leafs’ defenseman, Cody Franson, said of the team’s situation:
"It doesn't get much more embarrassing than that. It's one of those situations right now where it seems like no matter what we try to do it's just not working. We're having a tough time getting through it right now."
Tags: