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Leafs host Sabres in key Eastern Conference battle

Mar 12, 2011 - 3:53 PM (Sports Network) - A key battle in the Eastern Conference playoff race is on tap tonight in Toronto, as the Maple Leafs host the rival Buffalo Sabres at Air Canada Centre.

Buffalo has helped its playoff hopes greatly in recent weeks, posting a 6-1-2 record over its last nine games. As a result, the Sabres are tied with the New York Rangers for the last two playoff berths in the Eastern Conference.

Toronto, meanwhile, has lost two of its last three games following a 6-0-3 stretch and is six points out of a playoff spot.

The Maple Leafs lost their first three meetings of the season against Buffalo, but finally earned a win over their Northeast Division rivals on Feb. 16. That 2-1 regulation decision was just the second victory for Toronto in its last 15 encounters with the Sabres.

The Sabres, who are 19-11-5 on the road this season, have taken nine of the last 10 meetings at Air Canada Centre.

Buffalo is coming off a big comeback victory in its last trip to the ice on Thursday. The visiting Sabres trailed Boston by a 2-0 score in the second period, but Buffalo rallied and eventually claimed a 4-3 overtime decision when Brad Boyes scored with 1:16 left in the extra session.

Nathan Gerbe set up the game-winner by picking up a loose puck and racing down the center of the ice before ripping a shot from the point. Tim Thomas blocked the initial shot, but wasn't quick enough to prevent the diminutive forward from slipping the puck to Boyes for the open-net tap-in.

Tim Connolly, Thomas Vanek and Tyler Ennis also tallied for the Sabres, who are 4-1-1 on a seven-game road trip that ends today. Ryan Miller made 26 saves for the win and is expected to get the start tonight.

Following tonight's game, the Sabres will return to western New York for a four-game homestand, which will begin tomorrow afternoon against Ottawa.

Sabres forwards Patrick Kaleta (knee), Jochen Hecht (upper body) and Drew Stafford (hamstring) are questionable for tonight's game.

Toronto last played on Thursday, when they were edged in regulation by the visiting Philadelphia Flyers. Brian Boucher stopped 27-of-29 shots to help Philly hang on for the 3-2 decision at Air Canada Centre.

Mikhail Grabovski and former Flyers forward Joffrey Lupul tallied for the Maple Leafs, while James Reimer stopped 30 shots in defeat.

Thursday's setback began a three-game homestand for Toronto, which will complete the residency Monday evening against Tampa Bay. The Leafs are 15-13-7 as the host this year and have lost three of four and five of their last seven home games.