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Toronto Maple Leafs Playing For “Pride” Against the Buffalo Sabres

By David Morassutti

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Toronto Maple Leafs Playing For “Pride” Against the 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

Buffalo Sabres (19-42-5) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (26-35-6) 7:00 p.m. Rogers Sportsnet

The Leafs lost their last game against the Sabres 6-2, and are 1-1 this season against them this season.

More from Tip of the Tower

Leafs Injury Report

Stephane Robidas is out from shoulder surgery

Roman Polak is out from hernia surgery

Nathan Horton is out with a back injury

Projected Line Combinations (Leafs)

Sabres Injury Report

Chad Johnson is doubtful with a lower-body injury

Zemgus Girgensons is out with a foot injury

Josh Gorges is out with a lower-body injury

Patrick Kaleta is out with a lower-body injury

Evander Kane is out after having shoulder surgery

Cody McCormick is out with blood clots

Projected Line Combinations (Sabres)

Game Preview

Mar 9, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) shoots and scores the game-winning goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Islanders beat the Maple Leafs 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The preview that Rogers Sportsnet ran on this game between the Leafs and Sabres stated that because both teams are out of the playoff race, they are basically playing for pride. The problem with that statement is that the Sabres gutted their team to ensure they were bad enough to get the best odds in the draft lottery, while the Leafs have not played well either. So to say that pride is at stake for both teams is a bit of a stretch. However, for the people interested in the “tank battles”, this is a game to watch.

Nov 15, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Tyson Strachan (24) checks Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) during the third period at First Niagara Center. Buffalo beats Toronto 6 to 2. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

If there is a team that is worse at defending than the Leafs, it is the Sabres. In their last game they had to get forward Nick Deslauriers to play on defense, because Zach Bogosian and Andrez Meszaros had to leave the game with injuries. Luckily for the Leafs they have won 10 out of their last 11 against the Sabres, although they own the worse record since January 12th, going 4 -18-3.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Oct 28, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bozak (42) goes to take the shot that scores against the Buffalo Sabres during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Kessel career vs BUF: 49 GP- 18 goals- 17 assists- 35 PTS

Nazem Kadri career vs BUF: 14 GP- 4 goals- 6 assists- 10 PTS

James van Riemsdyk career vs BUF:20 GP- 8 goals- 4 assists- 12 PTS

Tyler Bozak career vs BUF: 15 GP- 5 goals- 8 assists- 13 PTS

** Jonathan Bernier career vs BUF: 5 GP- Record: 2-3, 2.59 GAA- .894 sv%

** James Reimer career vs BUF: 12 GP- Record- 7-3-2, 3.46 GAA- .896 sv%

** Depending on who starts in goal

Buffalo Sabres

Oct 28, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres forward Tyler Ennis (63) heads up ice against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Buffalo 4-0. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Moulson career vs TOR: 22 GP- 14 goals- 6 assists- 20 PTS

Tyler Ennis career vs TOR: 21 GP- 7 goals- 9 assists- 16 PTS

Zach Bogosian career vs TOR: 16 GP- 3 goals- 6 assists- 9 PTS

Anders Lindback career vs TOR: 3 GP- Record: 2-0, 1.33 GAA- .948 sv%

Keys to Victory

Nov 15, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; NHL linesman Scott Driscoll (68) drops the puck for a face-off between Buffalo Sabres center Cody Hodgson (19) and Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) during the third period at First Niagara Center. Buffalo beats Toronto 6 to 2. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Losing to the Sabres is not something the Leafs players want to deal with right now. This is a game that can get them back on track and feeling good about themselves, knowing they are not as bad as the worst team in the league.

The penalty kill has not been at its best recently, allowing 13 power play goals on 44 chances in their last 11 games. The good thing for the Leafs is that the Sabres power play has been just as bad, scoring one goal in their past 24 chances through 10 games. Even with Polak out for the season, it is going to be interesting to see who steps up and tries to take more responsibility on the penalty kill.

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

The Leafs took JVR off the top line and it looked like a smart decision. If the Leafs are serious about moving Kessel and Bozak at the end of the season, they should be playing JVR with players he might be lining up with next season, because they will be more motivated to play.

The Leafs should also try to get Morgan Rielly and Jake Gardiner more playing time moving forward, because they are going to be on the team next season. Their growth is much more important than a Eric Brewer or Dion Phaneuf at this point.

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