Toronto Maple Leafs Game Preview: Crossing the QEW to Battle the Buffalo Sabres

Oct 28, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward James van Riemsdyk (21) can

We have all waited patiently and now it is time to drop the puck on a new season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Here at Tip of the Tower we strive to give you as much content on your Toronto sports teams as humanly possible. This series will preview every single Toronto Maple Leafs game and what you should know for the game that night.

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Toronto Maple Leafs (9-6-2) @ Buffalo Sabres (3-13-2):7:00 p.m. on CBC.

The Leafs won their last game against the Sabres 4-0.

Leafs Injury Report

Brandon Kozun is out with a high ankle sprain.

David Booth is out with a broken foot.

Joffrey Lupul is out with a broken hand.

Projected Line Combinations (Leafs)

Game Preview

Nov 12, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel (81) celebrates a goal by forward James van Riemsdyk (21) as Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid (54) and defenseman Dennis Seidenberg (44) skate away during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Leafs will be glad to get a break in the schedule, after playing their last four games against the New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins. I think the NHL looked at those four games and said they had to give the Leafs something to pick up their spirits and decided to give them an easier game against the Sabres.

Although the Leafs have been improving there are still some concerns that need to be addressed. Against the Penguins the power play unit had many chances to get the Leafs on the board, but failed to capitalize. They had six power play chances, while the Penguins only had three opportunities. (The Leafs had 12 shots on the power play.) Unfortunately the Leafs were unable to get much going at even strength, registering 18 shots compared to 34 by the Penguins.

Nov 14, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Peter Holland (24) looks for rebound from Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Thomas Greiss (1) during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Bernier had a decent game for the Leafs, but the defence also gave him some help by blocking 18 shots – Morgan Rielly blocked five and Roman Polak blocked four. One way the Penguins were able to defend against the Leafs more elite players was with their ability to knock the puck off the Toronto sticks. Unfortunately it is hard to do that against Sidney Crosby.

The Leafs were not able to get their fourth line going in the game, because of the number of power play opportunities and Randy Carlyle wanting to have a better line go up against Crosby. Luckily, the Leafs will be able to rely on these players against the Sabres, because they do not have a player like Crosby on their team (but they will soon).

The Leafs had their best statistical game of the season the last time they met the Sabres. With an overall 73% team possession it’s safe to say the Leafs enjoyed playing the Sabres, because it reminds them they are not the worst defensive team in the league. Hopefully the Leafs are ready to take advantage of a Sabres team that is currently nursing a four game losing streak.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Nov 29, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) heads into the zone with Buffalo Sabres right wing Drew Stafford (21) in pursuit during the third period at First Niagara Center. Sabres beat the Leafs 3-2 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Kessel career vs Buffalo: 48 GP- 17 goals- 17 assists- 34 PTS

Nazem Kadri career vs Buffalo: 13 GP- 4 goals- 5 assists- 9 PTS

James van Riemsdyk career vs Buffalo: 21 GP- 7 goals- 8 assists- 15 PTS

Tyler Bozak career vs Buffalo: 18 GP- 5 goals- 8 assists- 13 PTS

** Jonathan Bernier career vs Buffalo: 5 GP- 2 wins- 3 losses- 2.59 GAA- .894 sv%

** James Reimer career vs Buffalo: 11 GP (10 games started)- 7 wins- 2 losses- 2 OTL- 3.22 GAA- .903 sv%

** Depending on who starts in goal

Buffalo Sabres

Oct 28, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward James van Riemsdyk (21) takes a shot on Buffalo Sabres goaltender Michal Neuvirth (34) during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

** Michal Neuvirth career vs Toronto: 12 GP (10 games started)- 5 wins- 4 losses- 1 OTL- 3.06 GAA- .893 sv%

** Jhonas Enroth career vs Toronto: 2 GP- 1 win- 1 loss- 2.91 GAA- .872 sv%

Zemgus Girgensons career vs Toronto: 6 GP- 0 goals- 3 assists- 3
PTS

Matt Moulson career vs Toronto: 21 GP- 13 goals- 4 assists- 17 PTS

Drew Stafford career vs Toronto: 42 GP- 12 goals- 16 assists- 28 PTS

** Depending on who starts in goal

Keys to Victory

Nov 12, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Dion Phaneuf (3) goes to block a Boston Bruins shot in front of Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Boston 6-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Leafs need to pour it on the Sabres. The Leafs need to show their improved play if they want to continue their climb in the Eastern Conference.

The Leafs know how poor the Sabres are and they should be confident going into the game. (Who wouldn’t be against Buffalo?). Kessel and JVR played with Kadri for parts of the game against the Penguins. Maybe it was because they needed Bozak to play against Crosby, but I am not sure if Carlyle will continue to keep Kadri and Kessel together. I think he should, because Kadri has shown more defensive awareness and with his offensive ability he can provide more than Bozak.

The Leafs ability to spread out their scoring has been key for them this season and it would be nice to see them get in on the action against the Sabres.

Nov 1, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer (34) watches a Chicago Blackhawks rebound during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

If Reimer starts for the Leafs in goal he has to avoid a poor start. Not only that, but he needs to make a statement if he wants to convince Carlyle to give him some starts in the future. Bernier just got two straight starts against the Bruins and Penguins, which shows Carlyle favours Bernier a bit more than Reimer.

It is not hard to predict a Leafs victory, but nothing is guaranteed. It will be up to the Leafs to make sure that they are playing to their best against the Sabres, because many will judge their compete level coming off a loss with a chance to get back on track.

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