Maple Leafs Aim to Clinch Atlantic Division Title in Buffalo Showdown
The Toronto Maple Leafs are just one win away from locking up the Atlantic Division crown — and they’ll look to seal the deal on Tuesday night in a high-stakes road clash against the surging Buffalo Sabres. With just two games remaining, Toronto is on the brink of clinching just their third division title since 1967, and all eyes are on milestone moments, playoff positioning, and ending the regular season on a high note.
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Leafs Poised for History, Momentum on Their Side
Toronto (50-26-4, 104 points) has been on a tear since mid-March, going 11-2-1 to storm into first place. With a four-point cushion over the Tampa Bay Lightning, only a complete collapse would deny the Leafs the division title. A win in Buffalo or a Tampa Bay loss will make it official.
“It’s a good opportunity for our guys to get comfortable,” said defenseman Morgan Rielly. “It can be nerve-wracking in these close games, and the more you do it … it’s a good feeling.”
The Leafs’ 4-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday showed their ability to grind out results — they only had 20 shots but made them count. Tuesday also presents personal milestones to chase: Mitch Marner sits at 99 points and can become just the fourth player in franchise history to hit the century mark, while Auston Matthews needs just one goal to reach 400 career tallies.
Toronto’s 24-13-3 road record ranks among the NHL’s best, and they’ve already bested Buffalo twice this season in December matchups.
Between the pipes, Anthony Stolarz is expected to start, and he’s been red-hot — going 7-0-0 with a .941 save percentage and a 1.56 GAA over his last seven appearances.
Sabres Strong at Home, Look to Play Spoiler
The Sabres (35-38-7, 77 points) may be out of the playoff picture, but they’ve been lights-out at KeyBank Center recently. Winners of seven straight at home, Buffalo is 10-5-1 in its last 16 games and would love nothing more than to spoil Toronto’s divisional celebration.
“So many of our losses this year have been self-inflicted,” said defenseman Connor Clifton after Sunday’s 7-4 loss in Tampa Bay. “Not teams beating us, but just us beating ourselves.”
Buffalo squandered a 2-1 lead in that game, giving up five unanswered goals. Still, they’ve shown resilience at home, and coach Lindy Ruff remains on the verge of history — sitting at 899 career wins.
Rasmus Dahlin has led the charge during the Sabres’ recent surge with 17 points in his last 16 games, and Tage Thompson continues to pace the team with 72 points (44 goals, 28 assists).
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to start in net after James Reimer surrendered seven goals on Sunday. Luukkonen’s steady play has been key to the Sabres’ recent home success.
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Division Crown or Delay? Stakes High for Leafs
For Toronto, Tuesday is a chance to not only clinch the Atlantic but also build confidence heading into the postseason. For Buffalo, it’s one last chance to show pride, extend a dominant home streak, and delay their rival’s celebration.
Either way, expect playoff-level energy and intensity from both sides — and for bettors, this is the type of game that rewards sharp analysis.