3 takeaways from Leafs-Sabres: Woll steals a point, Domi scores in 800th NHL game

During their first game since receiving news that Auston Matthews will miss the remainder of the season, the Toronto Maple Leafs delivered one of their most spirited efforts in recent memory. Toronto pushed the Atlantic Division-leading Buffalo Sabres to the limit, but ultimately lost 3-2 after the game went to a shootout.

Joseph Woll was the primary reason why the Maple Leafs stole a point in the first place, making 30 saves in the losing effort. Woll was in terrific form throughout the game, and shook off an early goal from Owen Power, improving as the contest wore on.

Dakota Joshua equalized for the Maple Leafs, roofing a shot into the top corner during the first frame. Max Domi scored off the rush during his 800th NHL game, converting on a feed from William Nylander. Buffalo’s Jack Quinn forced overtime, beating Woll on the power play with under nine minutes remaining in regulation.

It’s a tough result, but the Maple Leafs were the inferior team, and will have to quickly move on, as they travel to face the Minnesota Wild on Sunday.

Here are three takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ loss to the Sabres:

Joseph Woll steals a point for Maple Leafs

Woll is the Maple Leafs’ clear No. 1 goaltender this year, and made his third consecutive start. He was Toronto’s best player in Tuesday’s loss to the Montreal Canadiens, and held this distinction again on Saturday. Woll saved 2.49 goals above expected in all situations via Natural Stat Trick. Although the Maple Leafs submitted a better physical effort, there’s no chance they recoup a point without Woll’s steady play.

After allowing an early goal to Owen Power, Woll fought through a relentless Sabres attack and kept the Maple Leafs in the game. He made five high-danger saves and particularly frustrated Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch throughout the contest. Woll made a terrific save in overtime, and sprung Easton Cowan for a breakaway, but the Maple Leafs’ rookie couldn’t get a clean shot off.

Anthony Stolarz will receive the start against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday. Woll has been the Maple Leafs’ best player this week, and perhaps since the Olympic break. It’ll be compelling to see how the Maple Leafs deploy him for the remainder of the year.

Dakota Joshua shakes off healthy scratch with strong all-around performance

Dakota Joshua was rendered a healthy scratch for Thursday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks. Perhaps it is coincidence, but Joshua responded with a strong performance, particularly in the first period. After Nick Robertson established a strong forecheck, Joshua wired a loose puck into the top corner to tie the game in the first frame.

Joshua was an assist short of a Gordie Howe hat trick, as he fought against former Maple Leafs defenceman Luke Schenn. As the Maple Leafs adjust to life without their captain, Joshua should use this final month to re-establish his value within the top-nine, while the team auditions several call-ups from the Toronto Marlies.

Max Domi scores in 800th NHL game

Time flies by, and we almost did a double taken upon learning it was Max Domi’s 800th NHL game. It was just yesterday that Domi was a burgeoning star in the GTHL, and later in the OHL with the London Knights. It hasn’t always been the most productive season for Domi, but he wasn’t a complete liability playing in a top-six role at centre.

William Nylander flew down the ice off the rush and after out-waiting the Sabres defence, he found Domi, who buried the puck into an open cage to give the Leafs a 2-1 lead. It was a nice moment for Domi, in a season where it’s been difficult to extract positives.