Don't Blink: Leafs Score 3 in 43 Seconds, beat Sabres 4-2

18-2-1, that is the astounding record the Buffalo Sabres own over the Toronto Maple Leafs in their previous 21 encounters in Western New York. However, the Maple Leafs who had lost their recent matchup on March 25th made a huge statement in tonight's matchup by potting 3-goals in 45 seconds en route to a 4-2 victory against the Buffalo Sabres.

Just a little more than four minutes into the first period, Sabres goalie Robin Lehner played a puck dumped into the Sabres zone into the corner for defenseman Jake McCabe who then turned the puck over after a great forecheck by Connor Brown. Nazem Kadri was the recipient of the McCabe turnover and he was able to dish the puck to Leo Komarov who slotted the puck into a yawning cage. Early on the Maple Leafs led 1-0, and they did not show any signs of letting up.

35 seconds later, William Nylander would keep the puck inside the Sabres zone. After weaving past Buffalo winger C.J Smith Nylander placed the puck onto the stick of Auston Matthews who wired a shot from the slot past Lehner's glove to make it 2-0 Maple Leafs. Even then however, the Toronto Maple Leafs scoring spree would continue.

8 seconds later Tyler Bozak was able to win a faceoff in the offensive zone and immediately the puck was on-and-off of the stick of James Van Riemsdyk who extended Toronto's lead to 3-0. This goal capped off a 43 second stretch which saw the Leafs pile 3 goals.

After being outshot 18-2 in the 1st period, Robin Lehner was pulled in place for backup on the evening, Anders Nilsson. Buffalo Sabres assistant captain Ryan O'Reilly demonstrated that the effort being given by Buffalo did not sit well with him. O'Reilly was able to blow by Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner and place his shot past the blocker side of Frederik Andersen. The shorthanded marker narrowed Toronto's lead to 3-1.

The 3rd period was where the action would pick up once again. After Ryan O'Reilly failed to clear the puck out of his zone, Mitch Marner would pick up the loose puck and pass it down low to a Nazem Kadri who was able to sneak behind the Sabres defense. Kadri forced his shot between the pads of Nilsson, and made it a 4-1 game. After the goal, Nazem Kadri had some choice words for Rasmus Ristolainen. A scrum around the Sabres net would ensue which included Nikita Zaitsev, Rasmus Ristolainen, Nazem Kadri, and Zemgus Girgensons.

Jack Eichel would add a breakaway goal with under a minute remaining, but the Maple Leafs were able to walk away with a 4-2 win against the Buffalo Sabres on the road, a place which has been very difficult for the Leafs to accumulate points.

Performer of the night from the Maple Leafs was the tenacious Nazem Kadri. Setting up the first marker, and scoring one of his own allowed him to have a good night on the stat sheet, but Kadri contributed in more than just one way Monday night. Kadri was able to get under the skin of Sabres players: Evander Kane, Zemgus Girgensons, Rasmus Rostolainen, and others all night which was able to minimize the contributions they had in the matchup. Kadri's presence has proven to be similar to Boston Bruins forward in the sense that their outgoing, if you will, personalities on the ice are backed up by the skill they possess. Tonight Kadri tallied his 30th goal, and he is only 2-points shy of 60 points on the season.

While the Sabres performed with a rather lackadaisical effort, the Leafs defense was very strong, especially in the first frame, limiting Sabres shooters to only a pair of shots on goal. While there were a couple of lapses (Both goals notably) they performed well as a unit and special praise deserves to be directed towards the play of Nikita Zaitsev. He has been such a solid presence on the Leafs backend and is definitely deserved of praise for his play as of late. Zaitsev continues to be one of the more undervalued and under-appreciated players around the National Hockey League.

The Leafs win, coupled with Ottawa's 5-4 shootout loss to Detroit places them as the sole shareholders of 2nd place in the Atlantic Division. If the playoffs were to kickstart today, the Leafs would have home ice advantage and would have to battle the slumping Sens in the first round. It is still too early to look ahead however, as the schedule gets much more difficult for the Toronto Maple Leafs. For now, the club should be rewarded for their stellar efforts as of late.

*** Next Toronto Maple Leafs Game

vs. Washington Capitals, Tuesday, April 4th (7:30PM)