HSBC Arena

HSBC Arena as the Sabres get set to take on the Leafs. Yes, the Leafs. There are no Laffs here when they're exactly three points behind Buffalo. We've got our usual number of empty 300-level seats because of that lovely platinum pricing. In response to some of the comments that I failed to join the jubilation during Wednesday's win/14 minutes of good play against Florida, I promise to be more cheery during tonight's festivities.

Now, you should know I will be very impressed if the Sabres win tonight and tomorrow in Montreal to cut their deficit to three points. But unless that happens, you're not going to get a lot of cheer here about effort. I was talking to Drew Stafford this morning and he was very open about his struggles of late, pointing out how it's about working harder and having that fact reinforced in his play. Nice. In game 74, the team's fourth-leading scorer has come to the realization he better work hard so Lindy Ruff doesn't scratch him.

A healthy Ryan Miller stopped 33 shots, including the first 16 he faced, helping the Buffalo Sabres notch a 5-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs Friday at HSBC Arena. It was the first game for the Buffalo goalie since injuring his ankle against the New York Rangers on Feb. 21. Miller improved to 31 wins this season. Tim Connolly scored twice for the Sabres, who remain in the playoff hunt.