Oct 24, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (23) reacts after scoring his second goal of the game during the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Score: Maple Leafs 3 | Sabres 5
Shots: TOR 34 | BUF 30
Buffalo Sabres Goals:
- Samuelsson (McLeod, Tuch)
- Kulich (Benson, Thompson)
- Thompson (Byram, Kulich)
- Samuelsson (Dahlin, Krebs)
- Tuch (Power) (SHG)
Toronto Maple Leafs Goals:
- Nylander (Ekman-Larsson, Carlo)
- Matthews (Tavares, Ekman-Larsson) (PP)
- Dakota-Joshua (Cowan, Roy)
Plus 1: Rivalry Renewed
It’s been a long time since the rivalry between Buffalo and Toronto has been on relatively even footing. They haven’t played each other in the playoffs since the 1999 Eastern Conference Final. The Leafs struggled in the early 2000’s and Buffalo has been struggling since the early 2010’s. This game finally felt like both teams were evenly matched. Both teams played with speed and generated numerous chances. Buffalo got the upper hand after a solid second period and held off Toronto’s 3rd period surge. Toronto has a chance at redemption tonight, but the Sabres took round one this season.
Plus 2: Samuelsson Legacy Game
Many fans (including me) have been calling for Mattias Samuelsson’s removal from the Sabres roster for a couple seasons. The often-injured defenseman is finally healthy and silencing critics. He’s been utilized in the proper role and thriving. This game he went above and beyond to contribute on the scoresheet. He opened the scoring after sneaking into the slot and ripping one past Stolarz within the first five minutes. He also secured the game winning goal in the second on an almost identical play. Beyond his goals, Samuelsson was defensively sound and suffocated the Leaf’s attack all night. Buffalo can’t expect him to show up on the scoresheet nightly, but his overall game is more than fans could’ve hoped for heading into the season.
Minus 1: Where’s the Safety?
Overall, Buffalo played a great game, but they fell short in one area that almost cost them. They gave up multiple breakaway chances. At least 3 come to mind: Nylander scored on one, Dahlin tripped Nylander on a second first period attempt, and Lyon made a great save on another. Those are the kind of breakdowns that usually cost teams wins. The Sabres need to be more conscious of forwards sneaking behind them. Otherwise, a great performance could be spoiled by an ill-timed fast break going the other way.
Final Thoughts
This was an excellent win that brought Buffalo back to a .500 win percentage. Despite their struggles, Toronto is still a quality opponent, and the Sabres secured needed win at home. As the speed and intensity of the game increased, Buffalo rose to the occasion. In prior seasons, they had looked overmatched against highly skilled Atlantic Division foes. That was not the case in this game. It’s still early, but this Sabres team is trending in the right direction. If they can replicate this performance, they have a good shot at sending a message to the league that they’re ready to compete. A home-and-home sweep of the Leafs would certainly get that message across.
