Leafs score early and often in 4-2 win over Sabres Three goals in 43 seconds doom Sabres

The Atlantic Division of the NHL is in flux and it’s because the Toronto Maple Leafs are on a roll.  On Monday night, the Leafs doubled-up the Buffalo Sabres, 4-2, as the Ottawa Senators were in their downward spiral in a shootout loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

In Buffalo Monday, the Leafs struck for three goals in 43 seconds to set the tone and stage for the win.

“We were able to jump on them early, and I thought their goaltender (Anders Nilsson) came in and really played well for them to give them an opportunity, but our guys were able to stick with it and get it done,” Toronto coach Mike Babcock said.

Leo Komarov, Auston Matthews and James van Riemsdyk scored in the first period outburst to give the Leafs a 3-0 lead.

Robin Lehner was the victim of the barrage and was pulled after making just two saves.

“Guys have got to be accountable to make sure that they’re ready to play. We’ve got to look in the mirror and these next three games make sure that we’re coming to compete. Everyone has something to prove the next three games,” the Sabres’ Brian Gionta said after the after game referring to the three-goal stretch.

Frederik Andersen made 20 saves to get the win.

“This week is going to be huge for us. It’s a tough week. We knew on this road trip we could get some points and, obviously, the more, the better… the less we have to force ourselves to get in the last homestand there. We want to keep playing well and keep winning,” Andersen said after getting the win.

Ryan O’Reilly  and Jack Eichel scored for the Sabres.

“I’m just disappointed in myself; I’ve got to be better, I’ve got to lead better, I’ve got to step up, and going forward I’ve got to expect more out of myself,” Eichel said.