Buffalo Sabres vs Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction | NHL 27.01.26

Buffalo Sabres vs Toronto Maple Leafs Game Analysis | 27-01-2026 | NHL

This regular-season matchup on 27-01-2026 at 7:00 PM in Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, pits the formidable Buffalo Sabres (29-17-5) against the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs (24-19-9). The Sabres arrive with a strong record, positioning themselves as a serious playoff contender, while the Maple Leafs are battling inconsistency and a mounting injury list that threatens their postseason aspirations.

Buffalo Sabres Team Performance

The Buffalo Sabres have been a revelation this season, boasting a 29-17-5 record that reflects their offensive prowess and improved defensive structure. They are playing with speed and skill, often overwhelming opponents with their dynamic attack. Their power play has been particularly effective, fueled by puck-moving defensemen like Rasmus Dahlin and elite scoring threats. While their goaltending has shown flashes of brilliance, consistency remains a key area for improvement. The Sabres’ depth has been tested, but their core group continues to deliver, demonstrating resilience through various challenges.

Buffalo Sabres Key Players

• Points: Tage Thompson (53)
• Goals: Tage Thompson (27)
• Assists: Rasmus Dahlin (29)

Injury Report Buffalo Sabres

• Josh Norris (Injured reserve): Norris has been classified as day-to-day by head coach Lindy Ruff.
• Justin Danforth (Injured reserve): Danforth (lower body) is trending toward a post-Olympic return to action.
• Jacob Bryson (Injured reserve): Bryson (upper body) was designated for injured reserve Friday.

Toronto Maple Leafs Team Performance

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ 24-19-9 record indicates a season riddled with underperformance relative to expectations. Despite flashes of brilliance from their star forwards, the team has struggled to find a consistent rhythm, particularly defensively. Their defensive pairings have faced scrutiny, and goaltending has been inconsistent. The Maple Leafs often rely heavily on individual skill to generate offense, which can be a double-edged sword against disciplined opponents. Their recent form suggests a team grappling with confidence and cohesion, compounded by significant personnel losses.

Toronto Maple Leafs Key Players

• Points: John Tavares (44)
• Goals: Auston Matthews (25)
• Assists: Matthew Knies (31)

Injury Report Toronto Maple Leafs

• William Nylander (Injured reserve): Nylander (groin) hopes to return at some point during the Maple Leafs’ upcoming four-game road trip.
• Dakota Joshua (Injured reserve): Joshua (upper-body) skated prior to practice Saturday, for the first time since he was injured Dec. 28.
• Dakota Mermis (Injured reserve): Mermis (lower body) was assigned to AHL Toronto on Monday for a conditioning assignment.
• Chris Tanev (Injured reserve): Tanev (groin) is expected to miss a significant amount of time.

Prediction: Buffalo Sabres vs Toronto Maple Leafs

Given the Sabres’ strong season and the Maple Leafs’ recent struggles coupled with a critical injury list, the momentum clearly favors Buffalo. The absence of William Nylander significantly impacts Toronto’s top-six scoring, while Chris Tanev’s long-term injury creates a substantial void on their blueline. Buffalo’s potent offense, led by Tage Thompson, should exploit Toronto’s weakened defense.

Predicted Winner: Buffalo Sabres +1.5 (Spread)
Total Goals Prediction: Over (considering the line 6.5)