With Jack Eichel Sitting Out, Buffalo Sabres Lose in Toronto

Buffalo Sabres rookie Jack Eichel was too sick to play in Saturday night's game against the Maple Leafs in Toronto.  His absence, plus having played a game the night before while the Leafs enjoyed the night off was just too much for the Buffalo Sabres.  The Sabres turned in their worst effort in more than a month in a 4-1 loss.

Captain Brian Gionta staked the Sabres to an early 1-0 lead on one of just 3 shots for the Sabres in the first period.  After that it was all Toronto.  The Leafs tied the game in the second period just as a power play ended, then in the third period the flood gates opened.  The last place Leafs scored three times to win easily against a Sabres team that didn't have much to give.

Goaltender Chad Johnson made 27 saves in his first loss in six games.

The Sabres play in Carolina on Tuesday night, then are off until Saturday afternoon when they host Winnipeg.