All the Buffalo Sabres want for Christmas is two points tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Air Canada Center. As Buffalo continues to slide down the Eastern Conference standings, a win before the holiday break could be huge for their confidence level and put them ahead of the Leafs in the division.
In their meeting with the Leafs last Friday night, the Sabres had to play a hard fought game to pull out the 5-4 win at First Niagara Center. In that game, Buffalo was able to generate 3 goals on the power play including one by Drew Stafford. Thomas Vanek had a good night as well netting 2 goals and 2 assists in the game. If the Sabres can come out strong and take advantage of the weak Leaf power play, they might be able to pull off the win in Toronto.
Of course it is also important to note that the Maple Leaf captain, Dion Phaneuf was penalized with a 5-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct for inflicting a facial injury on Sabres forward, Zack Kassian on a hit from behind into the boards. By having the Leafs team leader and top defenseman out of the game, the Sabres were able to capitalize on the momentum and hold off the rest of the Leafs' star power with strong goaltending from Ryan Miller to get the 5-4 win.
Tonight's game will probably be an even more intense game then the first meeting last week. With Patrick Kaleta scheduled to be back in the lineup for Buffalo tonight, it should also be a very physical game. If the Sabres can get some early scoring chances and avoid turning over the puck, they might just get their Christmas wish.
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