Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. In this edition the Buffalo Sabres are taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs in an Atlantic Division clash. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Buffalo Sabres vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Sabres 1-0-1, 1-1-0 Maple Leafs
US TV: MSG Buffalo; ESPN+
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
The Sabres are in territory they have rarely been in over the last decade and a half: in a playoff spot. They currently sit third in the Atlantic after going 18-3-1 over their last 22 games. The Sabres will likely turn to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Sabres have climbed up six spots in the Atlantic Division, most recently jumping ahead of the Montreal Canadiens. If they want to continue to climb, they will need to keep their stellar play, as of late, going.
Anthony Stolarz will likely be in net for the Maple Leafs, who are looking to rebound from four straight losses. William Nylander is out of the lineup with an injury, which doesn’t help their case. A week ago, Toronto was threatening to take a playoff spot from one of the other teams in the Atlantic. Now, after these losses, they sit in 7th place in the division. This division doesn’t know how to slow down, with every team seemingly in the mix. One thing is for sure: if the Maple Leafs want to keep their playoff hopes alive, they need to start winning sooner rather than later.
The Sabres Story
They’re on a remarkable run right now. If they had started the season a little stronger, they would be in first place in the division. They’re within striking distance of that mark, but need to continue to pile up the wins to jump Detroit and Tampa Bay. They are getting contributions from all over the ice. Most recently, Konsta Helenius is a remarkable addition to the lineup, filling in for the injured Joshua Norris. Helenius has recorded a point in two out of the four games he played so far, including having a three point first period on the road against Nashville. At times, we have seen the birth of a new “Kids Line” in Buffalo, with the 19-year-old center being flanked by rookie Noah Ostlund and Zach Benson.
The new kids line is back at it! Benson makes it 3-0 Sabres! ? pic.twitter.com/l64myG4R8Q
— The Sabre Report (@TheSabreReport) January 23, 2026
One remarkable addition to the lineup this season is Josh Doan. He has been fantastic in the blue and gold, and has a fresh seven-year contract extension to show for it. The young man continues to improve and show his grit every night for the Sabres. Tage Thompson continues to dominate in his run-up to the Olympics with Team USA. He leads the team in goals (27) and points (53). The vibes in Buffalo are off the charts, and it’s a shame their fans can’t breathe a little easier due to the teams in the Atlantic being as competitive as they are.
Toronto’s Story
It was a tough week for the Maple Leafs. They went through murderers row playing the Wild, the Red Wings, the Golden Knights, and the Avalanche. All of those teams are in the top 2 of their respective divisions. They had to go through that stretch without Nylander, their leading scorer. Through these four losses, they have dropped two places in the division standings. And now stare down a six-point deficit for a wildcard spot. They can ill afford to drop another game to a division opponent.
Prediction and Best Bets
The Sabres are coming off a gun-slinging win over the Islanders. They’ll stay hot against a division rival that is slumping hard. Toronto will come into this game with some desperation and some upped intensity, but the Sabres have all the momentum in the world to battle past that. Their goaltending will stay strong in this game as well.
Prediction: Sabres 5 – Maple Leafs 2
For best bets for the Sabres, take Helenius anytime point. He has been remarkable since getting his call-up to the NHL. Likely playing with Ostlund and Doan tomorrow, it should be a fun line to watch.
For the Maple Leafs, Auston Matthews has a knack for finding the net against his division rival. He’ll do so once again in this one.
Main Photo: Gerry Angus-Imagn Images