"A gritty win is how I kind of look at it. The difference is that we were better at defending the odd-man rushes and things like that. I think we gave up two in the first period, and they capitalized on one of them. But we were above things all night. It was a low-event game, but when you play teams like this, you have to make sure you aren't giving up those freebies."
"You don't really need to coach him. He is so professional and dedicated. He loves the Leafs. He loves the team. He just comes to work every night. He never takes a night off or a day off. He is always doing his thing, working, and is highly competitive out there. It is great to be able to coach a guy like that."
"We've lost three in a row. That is probably why. If I lost three in a row when I was playing, I guarantee I would've gotten into two fights. We all have to chip in in that department. That is part of our team. I thought we were a physical, hard, forechecking team last year. We have to get back to it."
The Maple Leafs earned a 4-3 overtime victory over the Buffalo Sabres to move to 4-4-1. The team tightened its defense on odd-man rushes after early lapses and maintained a low-event, physical style, including a late first-period big hit by Jake McCabe. Frustration from a three-game losing skid fueled a tougher forecheck and physical approach. John Tavares scored goal number 499 and delivered the overtime winner, demonstrating professionalism and leadership. Nick Robertson returned on the top line, injected speed and energy and scored the tying goal. Goaltending by Cayden Primeau drew positive reaction for his performance.
Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove
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