Buffalo Sabres Do the Toronto Maple Leafs a Massive Favor at the Right Time

The Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, and Tampa Bay Lightning have been in a three-way race for the Atlantic Division all season long.

When the Leafs took on the Panthers just a few days ago, the teams were all within just a couple of points of one another. However, the Panthers have lost two in a row, including a game to the Leafs.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning have also struggled to keep up which has put the Leafs four points up on the Lightning and six points up on the Panthers, with six games to go.

On Saturday night, the Lightning had an opportunity to keep the deficit at just three points, but they ultimately failed with a loss to the lowly Buffalo Sabres in overtime.

While they did pick up a point, they ended up fumbling the bag of sorts, and now, the Leafs have been done a massive favor by a historical rival.

The Sabres should be given credit for their win, although this does not bode well for the Lightning or the Panthers, who are starting to falter when the games get tougher.

Both the Panthers and the Lightning will have an opportunity to get one back on the Maple Leafs this week as they play on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

If the Leafs can win both of these games, then it can be said that this team is the real deal and might have a chance at making a deep playoff run.

Winning the Atlantic Division would be huge and at this moment, it would means a series against the Ottawa Senators, which would most certainly be a grudge match of epic proportions.

Hopefully, the Leafs can keep up this run and show the rest of the NHL that they truly mean business.