Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Eichel (15) skates during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Saturday, March 25, 2017, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
The Associated Press
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - Jack Eichel scored twice and set up another goal in the Buffalo Sabres' 5-2 win that slowed the youth-laden Toronto Maple Leafs' late-season surge to clinch a playoff berth.
Ryan O'Reilly and Dmitry Kulikov each had a goal and assist, and Evander Kane also scored in a game the Sabres took control of by scoring three straight times in the second period. Robin Lehner stopped 32 shots, and the Sabres continued their home dominance over their cross-border rivals by improving to 18-2-1 against Toronto in their last 21 games at Buffalo.
The Maple Leafs' hold on third-place in the Atlantic Division dwindled in having a three-game winning streak end and losing in regulation for just the second time in their past 10 (7-2-1). With 85 points, Toronto has a one-point edge over Boston after the Bruins beat the New York Islanders.
Auston Matthews scored his 34th to tie Toronto's single-season rookie record set by Wendel Clark in 1985-86. Connor Brown also scored for Toronto.
Toronto Maple Leafs Auston Matthews (34) celebrates his goal with teammates William Nylander (29) and Zach Hyman (11) during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Saturday, March 25, 2017, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
The Associated Press
Buffalo Sabres forward William Carrier (48) collides with Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Anderson (31) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, March 25, 2017, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
The Associated Press
Buffalo Sabres forward Ryan O'Reilly (90) celebrates his goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Saturday, March 25, 2017, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
The Associated Press
Buffalo Sabres goalie Robin Lehner (40) makes a save during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Saturday, March 25, 2017, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
The Associated Press