Toronto, ONT - The Buffalo Sabres, having a great preseason thus far, throttled the Leafs on their home ice, in front of a less than full crowd. Only a little more than 9000 fans attended the game, and even though this is the preseason the Leafs have to be worried. but what those fans who didnt come will be glad t know, is that they did not miss anything. The Sabres manhandled the leafs in every aspect of the game, and won rolling away, 7 - 0. The win raises the Sabres preseason record to 4-1-1, gaining a 9 out of a possible 12 points. The Sabres only loss was a misrable loss to Boston, and the tie came agaisnt Ottawa. So far, with wins over Boston, Montreal twice and now Toronto, the Sabres have to be considered one of the top surprise tewams of the preseason.
Center Chris Drury was named first star and led the Sabres with 4 points, scoring one goal and adding three helpers. Ales Kotalik and Alexei Zhitnick were named 2nd and 3rd stars respectively, each adding a goal and two assists. Jochen Hecht and JP Dumont also had solid games, scoring once each and adding one assist each. Miroslav Satan added his second of the preseason, whle Mikael Renberg also scored his second of the preseason. Daniel Breiere added two assists.
This game also saw two good fights, as Adam Mair fought Bryan Marchment to a draw, and then Marchment visciously boarded Jochen Hecht and knocking him out of the game. Marchment was ejected, and Jochen Hecht is day to day. Peter Worrell fought Eric Lindross, and did not fair to well, recieveing a cut above his left eye from a right corss by Lindross, and had to leave the game for stiches. He is fine, and will not miss any time. As for Marchment's hit, expect retribution to be paid once these two teams take the ice next game. The Sabres are known to have one of the meanest teams in the league, and may dress all their tough guys next time around. "If its preseason, and points in the standings dont matter, then maybe the leafs will act differently when a few of them are visting the emregency room"added Peter Worrell. "And i need to fight Eric again. I don't lse alot of fights, and i do not plan to lose to him again." The next Leafs-Sabres game should be excellent to watch, as this rivalry seems to just get better and better.