The Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres are set to face off in a crucial late-season matchup on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. This game carries significant weight for Toronto, as they have the opportunity to clinch the Atlantic Division title with a win. Meanwhile, Buffalo will look to end their season on a high note in front of their home crowd.
Game Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Location: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY
- TV Broadcast: TSN4, MSG-B, ESPN+
Team Overview & Recent Form
Toronto Maple Leafs (50-26-4)
The Maple Leafs have been dominant in recent weeks, boasting an 11-2-1 record since March 17. They are riding a three-game winning streak, including a 4-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in their last outing. Toronto’s offense has been firing on all cylinders, and their defense has held strong against playoff-caliber opponents.
- Key Players:
- Mitch Marner (99 points) – One point away from becoming the fourth player in Maple Leafs history to reach 100 points in a season.
- Auston Matthews (399 career goals) – Just one goal shy of joining the 400-goal club.
- William Nylander (84 points) – A consistent offensive force.
- John Tavares (74 points) – A veteran leader with playoff experience.
- Strengths:
- Elite Scoring: Toronto averages 3.23 goals per game, ranking among the league’s best.
- Road Performance: The Leafs have a 24-13-3 record away from home, making them one of the strongest road teams in the NHL.
- Goaltending: Anthony Stolarz is expected to start and has been stellar, posting a 7-0-0 record with a .941 save percentage over his last seven games.
- Weaknesses:
- Injury Concerns: David Kampf, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Jake McCabe, and Jani Hakanpaa are sidelined, though most are expected to return for the playoffs.
Buffalo Sabres (35-38-7)
The Sabres have struggled throughout the season and will miss the playoffs once again. However, they have been red-hot at home, winning seven straight games at KeyBank Center. Buffalo will aim to continue that streak and spoil Toronto’s division-clinching hopes.
- Key Players:
- Tage Thompson (72 points) – Buffalo’s leading scorer and offensive catalyst.
- Rasmus Dahlin (68 points) – A dynamic defenseman who has been productive in recent weeks.
- JJ Peterka (66 points) – A rising star contributing on both ends.
- Alex Tuch (65 points) – A physical presence with scoring ability.
- Strengths:
- Home Ice Advantage: Buffalo has a 22-14-3 record at home and has been dominant in recent games.
- Offensive Potential: The Sabres average 3.25 goals per game, showing they can compete offensively.
- Weaknesses:
- Defensive Struggles: Buffalo allows 3.48 goals per game, ranking among the worst in the league.
- Goaltending Concerns: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to start but has struggled against Toronto, posting a 0-4-1 record with a 4.97 GAA in previous matchups.
Matchup Analysis & Prediction
- Toronto’s Offense vs. Buffalo’s Defense: The Maple Leafs’ high-powered attack will test Buffalo’s inconsistent defense.
- Key Battle: Mitch Marner vs. Buffalo’s defense—Marner is chasing his 100th point, and Buffalo will need to contain him to have a chance.
- X-Factor: Auston Matthews—If Matthews scores his 400th career goal, it could be a momentum-shifting moment for Toronto.
Toronto Maple Leafs – 162
Buffalo Sabres 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 14, 2025
