Leafs’ Problems In Buffalo Continue

Every time the Leafs go into Buffalo one thing is for sure, fans are in for a high-paced, energetic and often times, a high scoring contest. That was again the case tonight along with something else that is usually assured when the Leafs are in Buffalo: a loss. Despite a tremendous start to the game in which the Leafs spent a great deal of time attacking the Sabres zone, the Leafs still went into the first intermission down by a goal. They would eventually work the score to a two all tie, but the Sabres took over from there on in scoring three consecutive goals en route to a 5-2 victory.

Ed Belfour had another somewhat frustrating performance, allowing a couple of questionable goals and making an adventure out of each time he ventured from the crease to play the puck. It is tough to criticize Belfour as he is often very dependable but after allowing the soft first period goal, it really seemed to take the wind from the Leafs’ sails and brought on almost a feeling of “here we go again”.

Mats Sundin and Alex Steen continued to play effectively on the same line as Steen registered his seventh goal of the year on a very intelligent play made by Sundin. Steen’s ice time is continuing to increase as he is becoming, along with some of the other promising rookies, one of the finest young players in the league capable of playing at all times during the game.

The Leafs have no time to relax as they are in Montreal tomorrow night to take on the red hot Canadiens.