Overview
- Rasmus Dahlin recorded his first NHL hat trick and matched his career high with five points in Buffalo’s 7-4 win in Toronto.
- The Sabres extended their surge to four straight victories and a 19-3-1 run since Dec. 9.
- Toronto closed a five-game home stretch 0-4-1, slipping further in the playoff race and now eight points back of Buffalo in the Atlantic Division.
- Sabres starter Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen exited in the first period with a lower-body injury, and Colten Ellis stopped 16 of 18 shots in relief.
- Craig Berube emphasized that the Maple Leafs must improve their play without the puck rather than relying on offense to win.